MUMBAI: India has slapped a 20 per cent import tariff on set top boxes, up from 10 per cent, as part of its scheme to encourage more local production. Most locals see the move as a means of curbing the supply of equipment from China. Typically, the country imports about 10 million STBs a month, while the cable industry in general needs about 20 million units a month as the nation moves from analogue to digital distribution. There is also a Goods & Service tax (GST) on set top boxes (and other electrical items) to be paid.
Part of the demand for high specified boxes comes from players such as Netflix which want to see their ‘App’ included in a STBs menu options.
