“The government is set to waive the requirement of mandatory domestic sourcing for Apple, paving the way for the global technology giant to open its own retail outlets in the country,” Sidhartha reports for The Times of India.
“Although Apple has been keen on opening its own stores, the policy requirement of mandatory sourcing of 30% of the goods from within the country proved to be a major hurdle since the market does not have vendors to meet its needs,” Sidhartha reports. “Following a change in the policy last November, Apple has decided to seek government nod as the sourcing norms can now be waived for ‘state-of-the-art’ and ‘cutting-edge technology.'”
“On Tuesday, the iPhone and iPad maker made a presentation before a committee headed by industrial policy and promotion secretary Ramesh Abhishek where it made a case for use of the special provision,” Sidhartha reports. “Sources told TOI that Apple was a fit case for relaxing the norms. “Their products certainly meet the requirement for waiving the local sourcing clause,” said a source, adding that a final decision will be announced in a few days.”
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MacDailyNews Take: It would be a major boon for Apple – and for India – if they were allowed to build, open, and operate their own retail store network.