Govt bans import of air conditioners with refrigerants

The decision has been taken with a view to promote domestic manufacturing and cut imports of non essential items.

The government on Thursday banned imports of air conditioners with refrigerants with a view to promote domestic manufacturing and cut imports of non essential items.

Air conditioners installed at a building near Jhandewalan, in New Delhi (Photo by Biplov Bhuyan/ Hindustan Times)

“Import policy of air conditioners with refrigerants ...is amended from free to prohibited,” directorate general of foreign trade said in a notification.

The government is taking steps to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce import bill of non-essential goods.

In June, the government imposed curbs on imports of certain new pneumatic tyres used in motor cars, busses, lorries and motorcycles. PTI RR SHW SHW