Daikin, Samsung, Hitachi challenge India's e-waste regulations

Global electronics manufacturers, including Daikin, Hitachi, and Samsung, are challenging new Indian government regulations that significantly increase the costs of recycling electronic waste. These companies argue that the rules, which they claim have tripled compliance costs, are unconstitutional and exceed the government's authority under environmental law. India, which is the third-largest generator of e-waste globally, has seen only 43% of its waste recycled, with most processed by informal scrap dealers posing health risks. The government's new regulations aim to formalize the recycling sector and encourage investment but have sparked lawsuits from several companies, including Johnson Controls-Hitachi and Voltas. The government has dismissed the companies' complaints and called for the legal challenges to be thrown out. This ongoing conflict highlights tensions between foreign companies and India's perceived protectionist policies.