India has completely banned the import of air conditioners (ACs) with refrigerants, a move that comes in the midst of India’s campaign to be self-reliant by promoting domestic manufacturing of such goods. The ban is imposed on both window and split ACs with refrigerants.
“Import policy of air conditioners with refrigerants under HS Codes 84151010 and 84151090 is amended from ‘Free’ to ‘Prohibited’,” the Ministry said.
It is to be noted that the prohibition happened just before the start of festive season, when sales of electronic items witness a boost.
Non-essential electronic goods have been under the purview of the Ministry since the government decided to push for self reliance in various sectors this year. The domestic market of air conditioners is believed to be around $5-6 billion.
“We import more than 30 per cent of our demand for air conditioners. We have to reduce it fast,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June while discussing the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. In July, the government imposed restrictions on the imports of various colour TV sets as well
