70% of Nokia Chennai handsets partially comply with new SAR norms: DoT

Nokia said its handsets were already 100 per cent compliant with SAR value norms

About 70 per cent of the handsets manufactured at Nokia’s Chennai factory are "in partial compliance" with the new specific absorption rate (SAR) standards, according to an inspection report by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) dated June 25.

The deadline for mobile phone makers to comply with the revised SAR standards is August 31, 2013.

SAR is the rate at which energy is absorbed by the body when exposed to a radio frequency electromagnetic field. Radio waves are emitted by mobile telephone handsets.

However, responding to a Business Standard query on DoT’s comments, Nokia said the company is "already 100 per cent compliant with first requirement -- SAR value".

"We are already 100 per cent compliant with the first requirement, that is SAR value. We have made significant progress on the other two requirements and are on track to meet the deadline well in time. Nokia was not only the first manufacturer to act on the new standards, but also the only one to add SAR compliance stickers at the back of our devices," said the company.

Nokia is the market leader in India with more than 20 per cent share (by volume).

According to a top DoT official, there have been random checks at different factories of different handset makers and respective teams have submitted their reports. "This is not final. There is time for the companies. However, DoT will go for proper inspections after the deadline of August 31, 2013."

Last year, the government had fixed the SAR value on mobile at 1.6 watts/kg averaged over one gram of human tissue. Previously, the SAR value for handsets was 2 watts/kg measured over one gram of tissue. Both manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets will have to meet SAR standards by August 31, 2013.

According to the new SAR norms, companies will have to mention the actual SAR measurement value for a particular device and related information in the user manuals. Besides, when ‘*#07#’ is keyed in, handsets should display the maximum SAR level of the device, as mentioned in the user guide.

Pankaj Mohindroo, president of Indian Cellular Association, said: "All new handsets that are coming in the market are complying with the new norms and old handsets are being phased out. But, the government is not taking any step on the importers of Chinese handsets. DoT should first take steps against them, instead of doing this."

Micromax CEO Deepak Mehrotra said: "Yes, Micromax is compliant with the new norms proposed by the DoT. We do not foresee any hurdles in adhering to the new norms even in the future."

Lava Mobiles founder SN Rai said the company is finalising the software requirements for all its devices. "Most of the new devices are in compliance. The rest will be done before the deadline. Only the fly-by-night players will have difficulty in complying with the norms."

Samsung did not respond to Business Standard query.