Indian authorities are investigating LG Electronics and Samsung over allegations that the companies paid lower-than-required import tariffs on components used in OLED televisions, putting their premium TV businesses under regulatory scrutiny.
The investigation centres on OLED “open cell” display panels imported for television production. Indian officials argue that the concessional 5% tariff applies to older LCD and LED display parts, while OLED components should attract a 15% duty. The companies dispute that interpretation, maintaining that OLED is an advanced form of LED technology and should receive the same tariff treatment.
India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has questioned Samsung officials at the company’s headquarters near New Delhi, while LG has responded to written questions from authorities and made an unspecified voluntary deposit toward any additional duty that may eventually be demanded.
The dispute comes as both South Korean companies expand their premium television businesses in India. LG has said its OLED products account for almost 59% of its TV sales by value in the country, while Samsung also sells OLED televisions manufactured locally.
Industry groups are lobbying the Indian government to extend the 5% concessional rate to OLED components, arguing that higher duties increase production costs and could undermine efforts to expand advanced electronics manufacturing under the country’s “Make in India” programme.
India’s imports of displays and television parts reached $5.6 billion in the year to March 2026, highlighting the scale of the supply chain affected by the tariff dispute.
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