India has begun banning the importation of laptops starting January 2025. This move could be detrimental to tech giants, but it may lead to increased domestic production and sales of refurbished machines in local stores.
In a country where new laptops can cost upwards of $800, refurbished ones priced between $110 are attracting many consumers. For technicians like Sushil Prasad, repairing “Frankenstein” laptops, or those with damaged components, is becoming increasingly popular as it helps extend the life of electronics and reduces e-waste.
The appeal lies in the performance and affordability of hybrid laptops, which allow for online education and remote employment, particularly for low-income families. These laptops are often produced using recycled materials from imported e-waste, including electronics from Dubai and China.
Informal e-waste hubs, such as Delhi’s Seelampur, play a crucial role in salvaging reusable components. However, this underground economy comes with risks, as workers lack proper safety equipment and face health hazards like lead and mercury poisoning.
The war between repair culture and tech giants is ongoing. Companies are implementing planned obsolescence to make repairs more difficult, pushing customers towards buying new devices instead of fixing old ones. Environmental NGOs, however, argue that this approach is detrimental to the environment and human health.
As the government discusses right-to-repair laws, it may provide a framework for independent repair shops and certified components. This could transform the technology recycling sector and promote sustainable practices in India’s e-waste management.
While there are still challenges ahead, technicians like Prasad continue to work tirelessly to revive discarded laptops, one refurbished device at a time.
Source: https://www.techtimes.com/articles/309922/20250408/inside-indias-booming-black-market-frankenstein-laptops-how-e-waste-powering-digital-dreams.htm