DRI releases Vivo phones held over alleged violation
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has released about 27,000 Vivo smartphones for export after withholding the shipment for more than a week over alleged rule violations.
Vivo is seeking to export the devices to neighbouring markets however, the shipment is unlikely to be exported as the packaging of many of the phones was damaged and the devices were switched on to check unique ID numbers.
The government agency passed the order to release the smartphones after it was reported that the devices were being withheld for inspection. An industry lobby group called the seizure of the phones “unilateral and preposterous,” urging India’s technology ministry to help and warning that such moves could hit India’s ambitious plans to become an export hub.
Vivo exported its first batch of India-made smartphones in early November to markets such as Saudi Arabia and Thailand. The latest snag could create a hurdle in its market, where the company is already under scrutiny for alleged money laundering.
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