Centre imposes 10% tax on import of key smartphone parts to boost PM Modi's Make in India drive

Centre has imposed a 10 percent tax on imports of key smartphone components including populated printed circuit boards, which are at the heart of smartphones, according to a government document. The government`s move on Monday confirmed a Reuters report from last week that the country was exploring new duties on the imports of populated printed circuit boards that include components such as processors, memory and wireless chips.

A 10 percent customs tax was also imposed on the imports of camera modules for phones and connectors. The move, part of a phased manufacturing plan for lifting local production of mobile devices, is aimed at boosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s flagship `Make In India` drive to turn the country into a manufacturing hub, like neighbouring China.