Apple wants to manufacture in India but with conditions. Here’s what it wants

Apple has been planning to start manufacturing in India and the iPhone maker has now asked the government to relax labeling rules so that it doesn't have to print product-related information directly onto devices to avoid cluttering their minimalist design.

The request by iPhone maker has been forwarded to the Department of Revenue and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeITY) by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).

The finance ministry had rejected an earlier proposal by Apple to sup wholly owned outlets in the country that sought exemption from the compulsory 30% local sourcing norm. The company had sought the exemption on the grounds that it was bringing "state-of-the-art" and "cutting-edge technology," making it difficult to meet the sourcing condition.

The company is currently manufacturing in six countries.

Apple's distinctive design language is integral to product appeal and it strives to keep surfaces as free of artefacts as possible. The company wants to provide the product details that are required by law in India as part of the software of the device or on the packaging. The labelling issue will be dealt with by DeITY, the official told ET.

During his visit to the country earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook had said India was its next big market. PM Narendra Modi had urged Cook to set up factories to make its products in India.