If things go as planned, the requirement of mandatory domestic sourcing for
Apple has always been keen on opening its own stores in India, but has faced roadblocks from the policy requirement of mandatory sourcing of 30% of the goods from within the country, because the lack of vendors who can fulfill this need. Now that there have been some changes in the policy, Apple is looking forward to government’s nod, citing that it fulfills the conditions of 'state-of-the-art' and 'cutting-edge technology'.
It was on Tuesday that Apple had made a presentation before a committee headed by industrial policy and promotion secretary Ramesh Abhishek. In the presentation, it made a case for use of the special provision, and the decision would be announced in the coming few days.
As per some TOI sources, Apple fits for the relaxation of these norms. "Their products certainly meet the requirement for waiving the local sourcing clause," a source told TOI.
To gain more confidence from the government, Apple has also indicated that it may start producing in India in the future, while adding that it has no immediate plans of selling refurbished phones in the country.
Rival phone makers Xiaomi and LeEco had also proposed to open single-brand retail outlets, but their proposals are yet to be taken up by the authorities.
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