Restrictions on TV imports to help domestic industry build capacities: ICEA

The government’s move to put restrictions on imports of colour televisions will encourage the domestic industry as well as help build capacities for exports, according to industry body ICEA.

The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) said it has been a long-standing demand to put restrictions on the import of colour televisions (CTVs) to encourage domestic manufacturing activity.

CTVs up to Rs 600-700 crore were being imported from ASEAN countries, through zero-duty FTA, it said in a statement.

“Government’s move to put restrictions on imports of colour televisions, which was reported at USD 780 million in 2019-20, has surprised the industry. This decision is clearly indicating that the government is relentlessly pursuing domestic manufacturing. It is time to herald a new journey in the Indian CTV manufacturing sector leading to acquiring global-scale manufacturing status for India,” said ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo.