Japan files complaint with WTO over India’s smartphone tariffs

May 11, 2019

Tokyo--The Japanese government filed a complaint against India with the World Trade Organization on Friday, accusing it of reneging on its promise to remove tariffs on smartphones and other electronics products.

Japan plans to urge India to eliminate the tariffs in bilateral talks under the WTO's dispute settlement procedures. If the talks fail, Tokyo plans to request a ruling from the WTO's dispute settlement panel.

Despite its promise to remove tariffs on electronic items, India introduced tariffs of 10 pct to 20 pct on six items, including smartphones and smartwatches, between 2014 and 2018, to promote the development of its manufacturing industry.

Tokyo alleges that New Delhi's move violates WTO rules.

Japan's exports of the six items to India totaled 14.7 billion yen in 2017, according to the industry ministry. India's related tariffs are estimated at 2.5 billion yen a year.

Japan is considering the possibility of cooperating with the European Union as the EU filed a complaint over India's smartphone tariffs last month, sources familiar with the situation said. Jiji Press