India’s pollution regulator has alleged that wastewater discharged from a Tata Electronics factory supplying components for Apple’s iPhones has contaminated groundwater in nearby agricultural areas in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and has warned of a possible shutdown if the company fails to provide a satisfactory explanation.
According to a notice reviewed by Reuters, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board said repeated inspections between December 2025 and May 2026 found evidence that wastewater from the facility had entered a rainwater harvesting pond within the plant and subsequently overflowed, affecting groundwater in adjacent farmland.
Farm owners had reportedly raised complaints over several months, prompting multiple inspections by authorities. The regulator also stated that Tata Electronics had not fully complied with earlier corrective instructions issued in December 2025.
The notice has asked the company to explain why electricity supply to the unit should not be disconnected and operations halted for alleged violations of environmental rules.
Tata Electronics, however, said it had conducted an independent assessment through an accredited laboratory and maintained that the facility complies with all regulatory norms. The company added that it remains committed to environmental protection and responsible business practices.
The case adds fresh scrutiny to Apple’s supply chain in India, where environmental and compliance issues have previously led to regulatory action in the electronics manufacturing sector.
