Many global companies are now making phones in India under campaigns like “Make in India” and “Digital India.”

If you are planning to set up a mobile manufacturing unit in India, this guide will help you understand:

•   What approvals and licenses you need
  
  

•   How much it costs
  
  

•   What compliance rules to follow
  
  

•   Easy-to-understand steps
  
  

•   Important FAQs

What Is a Mobile Manufacturing Unit?

A mobile manufacturing unit is a factory where phone parts like screens, batteries, cameras, motherboards, and plastic body covers are assembled or made. Some companies only assemble parts imported from outside India. Others create most parts locally to save cost and support the local economy.

A mobile manufacturing unit can be small, medium, or large, depending on your budget and goals.

Why Start Mobile Manufacturing in India? 

Here are some big advantages:

•   India has a very huge mobile market
  
  

•   Government gives special benefits and subsidies
  
  

•   Skilled workers are easily available
  
  

•   Export opportunities to many countries
  
  

•   Fast-growing technology and R&D support

So, it is a smart business idea today!

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up a Mobile Manufacturing Unit in India

Below are the 10 important steps, explained simply:

1. Market Research & Business Plan

• Study which kind of phones people like: budget, gaming, camera phones, etc.
  
  

• See what competitors are doing like Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.
  
  

• Create a detailed plan: cost, land, workers, machines, sales targets.
  
  

A good plan helps in taking the right decisions and getting investors.

2. Choose the Best Location

Pick an area with:

•   Good electricity
  
  

•   Transport and road access
  
  

•   Skilled workers
  
  

•   Industrial zone land

States like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are popular locations for mobile manufacturing.

3. Company Registration

To start legally, register your business such as:

• Private Limited Company
  
  

• LLP
  
  

• Partnership firm
  
  

Also apply for:

• PAN
  
  

• TAN
  
  

• GST Registration
  
  

4. Factory Layout & Machinery

Set up different departments:

•   PCB Assembly Section
  
  

•   Packaging Unit
  
  

•   Battery and Camera Assembly
  
  

•   Testing & Quality Control Lab
   

•   Warehouse for storage

You will need machines like:

• SMT Machines
  
  

• Wave Soldering Machine
  
  

• Laser Marking Machine
  
  

• Heat Chamber
  
  

• Conveyor Systems
  
  

5. Approvals & Environmental Compliance

Since electronic waste can harm nature, the government has strict rules.

Important Licenses & Approvals:

6. Import Permissions (If Parts Come From Other Countries)

Mobiles require many electronic and plastic components like phone bodies, keypads, etc.

For importing plastic-based components, you must have:

Plastic Import License

This ensures imported plastic is safe and follows recycling guidelines.

7. Workers Hiring & Training

You need trained staff like:

• Engineers
  
  

• Machine operators
  
  

• Quality inspectors
  
  

• Packaging team
  
  

Training is important so phones do not get damaged during assembly.

8. Testing & Quality Check

Every mobile phone must be tested for:

•   Network
  
  

•   Touchscreen
  
  

•   Battery backup
  
  

•   Camera function
  
  

•   Heating issues

High-quality results help in getting more customers.

9. Packaging & Branding

Phones must look safe and attractive in the box. Build a strong brand that people can trust.

Examples of marketing methods:

• Online selling (Amazon, Flipkart)
  
  

• Offline mobile stores
  
  

• Export in foreign countries
  
  

10. Sales, After-Sales & E-Waste Take-Back

Provide:

•   Warranty support
  
  

•   Service centers
  
  

•   E-waste collection under EPR rules

Helping customers increases your brand value.

Cost to Set Up a Mobile Manufacturing Unit in India 

Minimum starting cost can be around ₹1.5–2 Crore for a small assembly unit.

Government Support & Schemes

The Indian Government provides:

•   Subsidies
  
  

•   Tax benefits
  
  

•   PLIs (Production-Linked Incentives)

This reduces the startup cost and increases profits.

Compliance Checklist (Easy List)

Make sure everything is updated every year.

Other Related Businesses in India

If you are interested in more industries, here are two trending examples:

Edible Oil Industry Setup

India has a very large cooking oil market (e.g., sunflower oil, mustard oil). Setting up an Edible Oil Industry setup is also a profitable manufacturing business with government support.

Plastic Industry & Import

Plastic components are used heavily in mobile phones, so many businesses get a Plastic Import License to bring safe and recyclable plastic parts for production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is mobile manufacturing a profitable business in India?

Yes. Because millions of mobile users are in India and demand increases every year.

Q2: Do I need CPCB approvals for mobile manufacturing?

Yes. Because mobiles create e-waste, CPCB ensures safe recycling.

Q3: Can I start with only assembling mobile phones?

Yes! Small units usually assemble imported parts to start at low cost.

Q4: How long does it take to set up the unit?

Normally 6–12 months, depending on approvals and construction.

Q5: Do I need technical knowledge?

You can hire trained engineers and workers, but basic knowledge helps in management.

Conclusion

Starting a Mobile Manufacturing Unit in India is a great business idea today. With the right licenses, government support, proper location, and skilled workers, you can build a strong brand and even export worldwide. Just follow the rules like CPCB approvals, Plastic Import License, and quality standards to run successfully.

Technology is growing every day — and you can be a part of India’s proud manufacturing future!

Author Profile: Upendra Sharma

Upendra Sharma is a business compliance and manufacturing setup expert who writes helpful guides on environmental approvals, industrial licenses, and business setup in India. He loves simplifying complex laws so that everyone can understand and grow their business with confidence.