In a further example of India’s growing strength and importance on the world stage as far as electronics are concerned Apple, the electronics giant company, has applied for permission to the government of India to import and sell pre-owned iPhones in India.
On the surface this seems like a great idea. India would have the ability to buy one of the world’s most popular mobile telephones for a discounted price. However, if we look at other considerations we see that, as is the case in life, there are other thoughts which come into this. For example, last year Apple applied for a similar permission from the government to import one lakh of used iPhones and 2.5 lakh of used iPads but the Technical Review Committee (TRC) of the Environment Ministry turned down this application by the tech giant on July 2, 2016 citing concerns that it would add to India’s e-waste.
In its decision to turn down Apple’s request last year, the TRC argued that refurbished electrical and electronic equipment (also known as EEEs) have a shorter functional life and became obsolete quicker. A shorter half life, therefore, means that these devices will find themselves as being waste much sooner than new devices. The concern therefore, understandably, is that these devices with their shorter half life would potentially substantially amplifying the country’s e-waste burden. Furthermore, the TRC reasoned that it would view favorably imports of EEEs which were less than three year old and had at least five years of residual life.
All of the above does make sense. One of the main functions of our government is to protect us. If these devices by Apple will strongly add to India’s electronic waste burden, then we should think twice before allowing them into the country. On the other hand, India is rapidly joining the world stage as a major economy and a major player on the world’s stage. Thus, it would be desirable for us in India to have increased access to one of the world’s most popular mobile telephones.
We at IndiaFreelancers.com will continue to watch and monitor these events for you. Regardless of the outcome of these negotiations and thoughts one thing is certain: tech titans like Apple and others worldwide are paying closer and closer attention to India – and to our tech capacities. Our IndiaFreelancers would do well to follow this situation carefully and learn to code for the Apple platform. New or Pre-Owned, Apple iPhones are on their way to our country and we at IndiaFreelancers.com should do our best to be ready.
Ranjiv P for IndiaFreelancers.com