After Apple, government rejects Foxconn’s proposal to import refurbished phones in India

Foxconn, which manufactures smartphones for Samsung, Apple and Microsoft, suffered the same fate as of the iPhone maker.

India’s Environment Ministry led by Prakash Javadekar has turned down Foxconn’s request of importing refurbished phones in the country, owing to e-waste rules.

READ ALSO: Apple’s facing a big stumbling block in India, which may require a rethink of its plans

Recently, India had rejected Apple’s request to import second-hand phones in India.

"Yes it (proposal) was made, but I have told them that we cannot go against our e-waste management rules," Javadekar told ET.

Industry experts say smartphones in foreign markets have small shelf life and the items imported have less functional life.

"Inforeign markets like the US, UK and Canada, iPhone sets manufactured by Apple have a limited shelf life as most people go for newer models every year. The older models then can be shipped to countries like India. Foxconn too has a stake in it as more upgrades would lead to more orders," a telecom industry expert told ET, on the condition of anonymity.

The environment ministry's technical review committee observed that the items proposed to be imported have short functional life and are prone to become obsolete in short period of time, which generates e-waste.