India’s Handset Market Crosses 350 Million Shipments in 2017: Report

In India, the only export incentive available to handset manufacturers is a two per cent incentive under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) introduced in the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20. The industry is of the view that the government may increase the MEIS incentive and introduce new incentives such as freight equalization subsidy and to enhance duty draw back to 3 per cent to attract more players in the market and to encourage the existing players to ramp up manufacturing which would also create more jobs in India.

Secondly, zero import duty is applicable on few capital goods such as SMT lines etc. used for manufacture of handsets. However, various other capital goods used for manufacture of handsets and components are still not covered under zero import duty regime. Therefore, full import duty is currently levied on various capital goods used in manufacture of handsets and components. Though, under the new GST framework, manufacturers will be able to avail input credit for the equipment imported, imported equipment still add significantly to the overall cost of manufacturing in India.

Also, import of second hand capital goods has been restricted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and clearances for imports takes a long period of time to complete. Therefore, the possibility of a cost effective alternative to import the new capital goods is virtually eliminated.

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Countries such as Vietnam and China, offer significant incentives by way of direct tax holidays which provide a very cost effective platform for handset manufacturers to set up production facilities. Vietnam provides tax exemptions to players for the first four years of revenue generation and levies only 10 per cent for the next 11 years, which may be extended to 26 years on approval of the Vietnamese Prime Minister. These initiatives by governments of other countries make those countries favourable for market players to undertake manufacturing, raising their global competitiveness, highlighted the study.

With the primary objective of making the handset manufacturing market favourable for existing players and attracting new players, the government may consider introducing reforms with regard to tax exemptions, favourable rates and incentives, etc.