India's environment ministry had denied Apple's same request in 2015 over fears that the used phones, which are close to end-of-life, would contribute to India's e-waste problems. According to a report in Bloomberg, "The US company's application has been turned down."

NN Kaul, a spokesman for telecom ministry said, "India does not encourage dumping or recycling of hazardous materials,".

Refurbished iPhones are usually devices that have been returned by buyers or are repaired to factory condition after damage.

Mobile and Communications Council of India had written a directly to the government opposing Apple's application.The group's members include the largest phone brands In India like Micromax, Intex and Samsung.