Import TVs from S'pore for cheap but here's the catch

If countries like Singapore, Thailand or Dubai are selling television sets that are not only 30 to 50 percent cheaper than India rates, but also offer holiday packages, why won’t you buy it?

Given that there are is no duty on goods up to Rs 35,000, buying electronics in these countries makes sense. And now every day, almost 3,000 flat television sets are landing at Indian airports.

But here’s the catch: Since Indian companies like Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic and Toshiba are suffering losses, they have decided to penalise customers buying TVs abroad.

[caption id=“attachment_792161” align=“alignright” width=“380”]  Bought a cheap TV? Reuters[/caption]

How? The electronics companies have decided tolimit their support and service backup for imported models. According to a a report in Economic Times today, Sony and Samsung have decided not to provide any warranty, repair or installation support for imported sets. They also plan to exclude India from the purview of any international warranty coverage.

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Panasonic has decided to charge the consumer for any component that needs to be replaced in the imported set even during the warranty period.

Industry body Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) hasalso appealed to the finance ministry to put a cap of Rs 10,000 on TV sets under the free baggage allowance of Rs 35,000 per passenger. They are also in talks with theirsubsidiaries in Dubai, Thai nd Malaysian markets on ways to stop such imports and warranty coverage.