iPhone maker Apple's demand for custom duty rebate on imported equipment has been turned down.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman said "requests regarding such rebate were examined and... not accepted."
The demand was rejected on grounds that already, zero basic customs duty, excise duty — except on charger, battery and speaker — and special additional duty (SAD) had been prescribed for components and accessories for final manufacture of mobile phones, tablets and computers.
Sitharaman said the government has received representations seeking concessions, including 30% local sourcing of component, duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smartphone manufacturing, service and repair.