Government says Apple never on procurement list

The Chinese government has never included Apple products on its procurement list of energy saving products because the US-based tech giant failed to submit required documents during public notice periods, China Government Procurement News reported on Thursday.

As required, companies that have products on the preliminary procurement list must deliver energy saving authentication credentials, letters of commitment and related materials to get on the final list. Since June 2013, Apple has not submitted documentation, according to authorities from the government procurement management office at the Finance Ministry.

Ten Apple products - including the iPad, iPad Mini, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro – were excluded fro m this year's final government procurement list of energy saving products. Initial media reports of the exclusion triggered fears it was a targeted move against Apple out of security concerns.

Industry insiders said it's not the Chinese government that banned Apple products, but rather the company gave up its right to be on the list. Apple has declined comment.

The government procurement list, in its 16th edition as of July, is jointly drafted by the Finance Ministry and the National Development and Reform Commission every six months, the report said.