Due to the Coronavirus, some precautionary measures were necessary that led the national e-commerce to rationalize deliveries, postponing those connected to products defined as non-essential, which include our beloved smartphones. A measure that affects not only our market but also the international one, such as India, where some manufacturers have instead asked the government to review their choices, appealing to the authorities to allow them to deliver their devices via online platforms despite the 21-day lock down imposed to combat the spread of Coronavirus in the country.
Entities such as MAIT and India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) then drafted letters to the government calling for the removal of restrictions on the transportation of components for both domestic operations and exports.
Xiaomi asks the Indian government to classify smartphones as "basic products"
MAIT, in its letter, proposed to the government to list e-commerce companies in the field of essential services so that deliveries of essential goods could be carried out in a "controlled logistics framework". On the other hand, the letter written by ICEA raises concerns about poor communication between the ministry of the interior and the state / district authorities, which led to the arrest of the movement of electronic goods.
Mau Kumar Jain, CEO of Xiaomi India, said that smartphones have become an essential after food and groceries. He also added that smartphones can help increase social distancing but due to the unavailability, the sales skyrocket. The executive also points out that 30/40% of purchases are made by first-time smartphone buyers, who are in dire need of it at the moment. Hence, Xiaomi is asking the government to let them carry on their business so they can help people in need. What do you think of it?
