Pakistan: potential ban on imports of used computers and parts
Description
The government of Pakistan is considering to impose a ban on imports of used computers and computer parts. The President asked the Ministry of Information Technology to propose a draft law in that respect. Public consultation on the issue are ongoing. The rationale for the ban quoted by the official sources is to stop imports of electronic waste, which has social, health and environmental consequences. On the other hand, the ban largely limits access to cheap comupters and IT accessories, important for the development of IT skills and often unaffordable as new items to many.
The move favors multinational companies manufacturing computers as the ban increases the size of the market for new computers. It has been supported by companies such as Intel and by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
Any Evidence-Based Deliberation:
| Question | Result |
|---|---|
| Is there anything in the public record to suggest that evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed measure was considered during official deliberations? | |
| Is there any evidence that alternatives to the proposed measure were considered? | |
| Is there anything in the public record that suggests that empirical evidence informed the comparison across the alternatives available to government? | |
| Was such evidence identified? | |
| Is such evidence publicly available? | |
| Did the official decision-maker in question provide an explanation as to why a chosen measure was favoured over alternatives? | |
| Is there any evidence to suggest that potentially affected trading partners were consulted before the measures were taken? | |
| Is there any evidence that safeguards have been put in place to ensure that implementation of the initiative is transparent and non-discriminatory? | |
| Did the government state its intention to review the measure within one year of implementation? |
Date Discovered:
Implemented: No
Date of inception: 7 Mar 2010
GTA Evaluation: Amber
Source:
Pakistan Considering a Ban on Import of Used Computers: Good Idea or Bad?, 7 March 2010
http://pakistaniat.com/2010/03/07/used-computer-repair/
Ban Proposed on Sale of Used Computers, 7 March 2010
http://propakistani.pk/2010/03/07/ban-on-sale-of-used-computers-proposed/
Home » Technology
Pakistan to ban import of old and used computers, 8 March 2010
http://www.pakpoint.com/pakistan-to-ban-import-of-old-and-used-computers...
Ban suggested on used computer import, 7 March 2010
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspa...
Government Response:
- 466 reads
