Single licence for telecom equipment import

The government today said the import of key communication hardware like radio equipment will require a licence from the Ministry of Communication and IT without any approval of the Commerce Ministry.

“Radio Communication equipment including VHF, UHF and Microwave Communication equipments (used for wireless operations like mobile telephony) not permitted to be imported except against a licence to be issued by the Wireless Planning Coordination (WPC) wing of the Ministry of Communication and IT,” a DGFT notification said.

The notification was issued following confusion that arose among importers after March 2, 2009 when the DGFT put import of these equipment under the “restricted” category.

“This led to an impression as if the importers were required to get a licence both from the DGFT as also from the Ministry of Communications,” an official said.

This equipment is imported by the mobile telecom infrastructure companies from various countries including China and Europe.

Although some of the companies like Nokia-Siemens, Ericsson and Motorola have set up manufacturing facilities in India, still a large part of demand for this equipment is met through imports.