Appliances innovator Dyson is seeking Indian government approval to open single-brand retail stores.

But the company faces a challenge is getting the government to relax the mandatory local sourcing requirements, arguing its products as “state-of-the-art”. Such goods are exempted from the usual norms, according to Indian media.

Dyson revealed plans to enter India last November.

“We will invest 150 million British Pounds in next three to five years to open stores and set up retail network here,” founder and chief engineer Sir James Dyson said.

“Our first store would open in the middle of next year, if we are allowed to.”

Dyson designs, manufactures and sells appliances such as vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, bladeless fans and heaters. It has filed 7500 patents worldwide.