HOBI Weekly Blog Recap (5/29-6/2/23)
The Indian Express reports Amazon India and 20 other ecommerce platforms, including eBay, Snapdeal, Olx and Quikr, were issued a showcause complaint by the India’s environment ministry for selling imported refurbished devices.
The notice, filed September 23, orders Amazon “to stop the import/shipment of used/refurbished electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) immediately.” The notice also indicated the ministry will seek action against Amazon India under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act if they do not comply.
India permits the sale of refurbished devices, as long as the devices are processed within the country. Earlier this year, Apple was also denied the opportunity to sell imported refurbished devices. The notice indicated Amazon violated Hazardous and Other Waste (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules and E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules in the Environment (Protection) Act.
While selling refurbished phones come with obstacles for overseas companies, there is a large demand for refurbished devices in India. Counterpoint Research reports as many as 7 million refurbished devices were sold in India during 2015. This amount of need for refurbished devices brings opportunities for growth for refurbishment companies, as long as they are in compliance with Indian government legislation.
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