The Government of India recently made an announcement that they are allowing the import of refurbished mobile phones. The condition imposed for this import is that these phones have to be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Understanding Refurbished Mobile Phones
Refurbished mobile phones are handsets returned to the manufacturer, which undergo thorough tests for problems and ultimately restored to their full-functioning and factory-standard conditions.
This decision opens the door for mobile operators such as Apple, who are keen on expanding their smartphone business in the thriving Indian market.
Regulations Concerning the Import of Electronic Goods
According to a notification released by the Commerce Ministry, whether new or second hand, the import of electronic goods (including those refurbished, repaired, or reconditioned) requiring compulsory registration is prohibited unless registered with the BIS and complying with labelling requirements.
However, in certain cases, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) may approve a specific exemption for a particular consignment.
Concerns Associated with the Decision
The primary concern revolves around how the BIS will certify refurbished phones, due to their lack of uniformity. New phones, with uniform standards, can be examined and certified via random sampling. However, this method is not applicable for refurbished mobile phones.
Further concerns include the potential for companies to exploit India as a dumping ground for electronic waste. Also, the import of refurbished mobile phones could undermine the ‘Make in India’ initiative and act counter to the National Policy on Electronics, 2019.
An Overview of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
| Full Name | Established Under | Headquarters | Main Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) | BIS Act 2016 | New Delhi | Quality certification and standardization of goods |
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), created under the BIS Act 2016, is the National Standard Body of India. The organization focuses on the harmonious growth of standardization activities, marking and quality certification of goods, and other related or incidental matters. The headquarters of BIS is located in New Delhi.
Implications for the Future
Despite the hurdles, the move potentially opens up new opportunities for mobile operators and consumers alike in India. However, how it shapes the Digital India dream and aligns with national policies remains to be seen.