Revolutionizing IT Hardware Movement: SEZ to DTA Norms Relaxed

The Indian government has recently eased regulations for the transfer of used IT hardware goods from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to Domestic Tariff Areas (DTAs). Previously, SEZs were considered as deemed foreign territories under customs laws, making the transfer of goods from these zones to DTAs equivalent to imports. This required companies in DTAs to obtain a license to import these goods from SEZs.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced that used IT assets like laptops, desktops, monitors, and printers can now be moved from SEZs to DTAs without a license, but only for further use in DTA operations. However, there are certain conditions attached to this relaxation. The equipment must have been used in SEZ units for at least two years and should not be older than five years from the date of manufacturing.

This change is significant for companies operating in SEZs that are shutting down or relocating to DTAs, as it allows them to import these items without a license, provided the products meet the age requirement. Nonetheless, any used IT assets that do not meet these criteria will still require a license for restricted import.

In addition to this, the government has implemented a new ‘import management system’ aimed at monitoring IT hardware shipments into the country. This system, which has been described as simple and less cumbersome than a traditional licensing regime, requires importers to apply for authorizations online, providing details of past import, export, and turnover. These authorizations are valid until September 30, 2024, and are applicable for multiple consignments.

This easing of norms and the introduction of the new system reflect the government’s intent to promote the manufacturing of electronic hardware in India. By monitoring imports and encouraging local production, the government aims to make electronics the largest manufacturing sector in India and globally.

These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure a trusted supply chain in the electronics sector, balancing the ease of doing business with the need to safeguard against potential risks in the import of critical technology components.

Share:

MORE STORIES

## Navigating the AI Revolution: 5 Trending Google Ads Topics for Marketers As Google Ads continues its rapid evolution, staying ahead of the curve is paramount for digital marketers. The platform’s increasing reliance on artificial intelligence, shifting privacy landscapes, and the introduction of new campaign types are creating a fresh set of challenges and opportunities. Here are five top trending blog topics that delve into the most critical areas of Google Ads today. ### 1. The Rise of the Machines: Mastering AI-Powered Campaign Types Google is unequivocally betting on AI to drive the future of its advertising platform. A key area of focus for marketers is understanding and mastering AI-driven campaign types like Performance Max and Demand Gen. These campaigns automate targeting, bidding, and ad creation across Google’s entire inventory. A deep dive into strategies for providing the right inputs to these “black box” models, interpreting their performance, and understanding how to guide the AI for optimal results is a crucial topic for advertisers looking to succeed in this new era. ### 2. Beyond the Click: Navigating the New Landscape of Measurement and Attribution With the impending deprecation of third-party cookies and a growing emphasis on user privacy, the way advertisers measure success is undergoing a fundamental shift. This has propelled topics like enhanced conversions, consent mode, and the integration of first-party data to the forefront. Marketers are actively seeking guidance on how to implement these privacy-centric measurement solutions to gain a more accurate and holistic view of their campaign performance in a world without granular user tracking. ### 3. Creative is the New Targeting: Leveraging AI for Compelling Ad Experiences In an automated world, the creative has become a key differentiator. Google is investing heavily in AI-powered tools that can generate and optimize ad copy, images, and videos. Blog posts that explore how to effectively use these generative AI features to create a high volume of diverse and engaging ad creatives are gaining significant traction. This includes best practices for providing creative inputs, A/B testing AI-generated assets, and ensuring brand consistency across automated campaigns. ### 4. The Evolution of Search: Adapting to a More Conversational and Visual SERP The traditional keyword-based search is evolving. Users are increasingly employing longer, more conversational queries, and Google is responding with a more visual and AI-driven search engine results page (SERP). This shift requires a re-evaluation of traditional keyword research and bidding strategies. Trending discussions revolve around how to adapt to this new reality, including the role of broad match keywords, the importance of high-quality creative in visual search formats, and strategies for capturing intent in a more conversational search landscape. ### 5. Future-Proofing Your Strategy: The Growing Importance of a Full-Funnel Approach As automation takes over many of the manual levers within Google Ads, the focus is shifting towards a more strategic, full-funnel marketing approach. Advertisers are looking for insights on how to effectively use different Google Ads campaign types to guide users through the entire customer journey, from initial awareness to final conversion and retention. This includes discussions on how to structure campaigns to complement each other, allocate budgets across the funnel, and measure the impact of upper-funnel activities on bottom-line results.

Google Ads is in the midst of a quiet revolution—one driven by artificial intelligence, privacy-first regulations, and a rapidly changing search landscape. For digital marketers,

Send Us A Message