Apple Inc on Wednesday indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to
begin manufacturing iPhones in India, but wants fiscal concessions, including Customs
duty waiver on import of components.
Apple executives made a detailed presentation on its road map for setting up a manufacturing
unit in India to an inter-ministerial group headed by Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion Secretary Ramesh Abhishek, sources privy to the development said.
The presentation was made by senior executives of the company, including Global Vice-
President (iPhone operations) Priya Balasubramanian. It cited the country's business
friendly ecosystem for keenness to start local manufacturing.
With sales tapering in the US and China, Apple is eyeing India - the fastest growing
smartphone market in the world - and looking to set up a local manufacturing unit to
cut costs.
It, however, does not manufacture devices on its own and rather does it through contract
manufacturers.
Besides exemption from the Customs duty on imports of components and equipment for
15 years, Apple wants relaxation in the mandated 30 percent local sourcing of components.
When contacted, Apple spokesperson told PTI: "We have been working hard to develop our
operations in India and are proud to deliver the best products and services in the world to
our customers here."
The spokesperson added: "We appreciate the constructive and open dialogue we have had
with the government about further expanding our local operations."
On the duty and tax-related concessions being sought by the company, the sources said
most of them are within the policy domain and decisions will be taken by the respective
departments.
"They are seeking certain duty exemptions and other concessions. Respective departments
will look at those demands," they added.
The official also said the company has indicated that it would gradually make India a major
manufacturing hub for its products.
"The company setting up its manufacturing unit in India is going to be a reality. They have
full-fledged plans. There is no policy impediment. They would also bring their supply chains,"
the sources divulged.
The company executives on Tuesday called on Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman.
In a communication to the government, the Cupertino-based technology major has asked
for several tax and other incentives, including long-term duty exemptions, to enter the
manufacturing sector in India.
Currently, the government provides support by way of benefits under the Modified Special
Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS) to boost electronic manufacturing.
The company sells its products through Apple-owned retail stores in countries like China,
Germany, the US, the UK and France, among others. It has no wholly-owned store in
India and sells its products through distributors such as Redington and Ingram Micro.
-Thankyou
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