Indonesian Government Bans the Sale of Google Pixel Phones

• The Indonesian Ministry of Industry recently announced that Google Pixel phones are banned in the country until it meets the 40% local content rule.
• Under this rule, a phone either needs to have 40% locally sourced content or the company needs to make up for it through tech investments.
• A few days ago, a similar restriction was also put on Apple's iPhone 16 for the same reason.

Google Pixel phones have been banned in Indonesia for failing to clear the minimum cutoff for local content.

The decision was announced by the Indonesian Ministry of Industry which said that the phones can be sold once Google has acquired the local content certification and has at least 40% local content in its smartphones made for Indonesia.

The local content rule and related policies are made for fairness for all investors that invest in Indonesia, and for creating added value and deepening the industry structure here.' - Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, Ministry's spokesperson

This doesn't mean that the citizens can't buy Google Pixels anyhow. They will just have to buy it overseas after they have paid the necessary taxes. Any Pixel phone sold illegally in the country will be deactivated.

What Is the 40% Content Rule?

The content rule is simple, any device you launch in the country needs to have at least 40% of locally sourced elements. This is done to boost the local hardware companies and reduce reliance on foreign tech.

If a company doesn't want to use local hardware, there are other ways to meet the laws. For instance, it can invest in developing firmware or local tech projects. Samsung and Xiaomi didn't want to use local content, so they built manufacturing facilities in the country instead.

Ban on Apple 16's Sales

Just a few days before banning Google Pixel, the sale of Apple's iPhone 16 was also restricted.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said that the company had promised to invest in local research and development facilities. CEO Tim Cook even visited the country in April to further discuss the plans.

However, it's yet to keep its word. As a result, the ministry has not yet issued its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification (despite being launched in September), making the sale of these phones illegal in the country.

The ministry has also urged people to refrain from buying the iPhone 16 and other new Apple launches such as Apple Watch Series 10.

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