Apple to extend charger takeback program globally, including India

After a few incidents where Apple users were electrocuted and some even died thanks to fake or third party chargers, Apple announced it will start a charging power adapter takeback program where users can walk into Apple stores and authorized retail partners to give their third-party adapters and in return buy an original Apple adapter at 50 percent discount. Now BGR India exclusively learns that Apple is looking at extending this program globally and will introduce it in India too sometime in mid-August. Without naming the countries where it will be rolled out, the official Apple statement mentions that the program will start from August 16 and will be in place till October 18.
This is a brilliant strategy from Apple as it will not only raise the important issue of using fake or poor quality chargers and adapters but will also ensure that Apple would have washed off its hands of what could have been a potential PR disaster. Even though the incidents might have involved fake chargers, Apple could have been implicated for encouraging users to go for non-Apple chargers and adapters by pricing its accessories too high. The USB adapter for the iPhone 5, for instance, costs Rs 1,460 in India. If Apple follows its 50 percent off scheme in India as well, users should be able to exchange any third-party adapter with an original Apple one for under Rs 800.
Apart from the PR perspective, the program could also mean higher sales of Apple’s accessories in the current quarter. Even at half the usual selling price, one would expect Apple to be still generating a profit if one considers the usual margins (even higher in Apple’s case) in the accessories business.
Here’s Apple’s announcement for the USB adapter takeback program:

Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. While not all third party adapters have an issue, we are announcing a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters.
Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.
Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We will ensure that these adapters are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, we recommend getting an Apple USB power adapter. For a limited time, you can purchase one Apple USB power adapter at a special price — $10 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency. To qualify, you must turn in at least one USB power adapter and bring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider for serial number validation. The special pricing on Apple USB power adapters is limited to one adapter for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod you own and is valid until October 18, 2013.
Note: Due to the complexity of testing required to detect an unsafe or counterfeit adapter, Apple Retail and Apple Authorized Service Providers cannot advise you on the authenticity or safety of your adapter. We are offering this special takeback program for any USB power adapter made for use with iPhone, iPad, and iPod for which you have concerns.