Iran’s Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade announced that Apple Inc. has no official representative in Iran, although its products are widely sold by unauthorized sellers across Iran.
At a press conference, Yadollah Sadeqi, director of Iran’s Trade Center, said, “No legal representation contract signed with Apple Inc. has been presented yet,” IRIB News Agency reported.
The official added that “there are no legal bans against the American company on setting up office or assigning representatives in Iran,” provided they follow legal procedures and receive necessary permits.
On August 9, Eghtesad Online reported that Iran’s Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade has issued licenses for nine local companies to import iPhones.
A copy of the official document allowing this was signed by Deputy Minister of Industries, Mining and Trade Mojtaba Khosrotaj and published online.
The names of the companies were Datis Emertat, Media Pardazesh, Arvand, Delta Commerce Company, Smart Golden Apple, Pars Manatel, Iranian Qaem, Elixir Saba (Mahtel) Commerce Company and Almas System.
At that time, Financial Tribune wrote that it is highly likely that the firms were authorized to sell in Iran by Apple Inc., California, and they will at most act as third-party firms channeling imports from an unnamed British company.
The Iranian government piloted a new project to ban contraband smartphones and gadgets from entering the market.
The scheme requires all mobile phones to be registered with the country’s telecommunications user database. Smuggled phones that are not registered become unusable.
Representation permits will be issued provided importers offer after-sales services.
