India may ban imports of mobile phones not displaying SAR

The government has made no qualms about its ‘anti’ stand on the issue of mobile phone radiation in the country. In what may be a step further in this respect, reports suggest that India may ban imports of handsets that do not display SAR, from September. To this effect, the Economic Times reports that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will soon make mandatory disclosure of SAR as a pre-requisite for handset imports in the future. 

Simply put, once it takes effect, SAR will have to be displayed on mobile phones, just like the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers are available on imported handsets. 

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Displaying SAR value on mobiles to get mandatory (Image credit: Getty Images)

SAR, or the Specific Absorption Rate measures the rate at which the body absorbs energy when exposed to a radio frequency electromagnetic field or electronic devices using radio spectrum. At the time of implementing stricter norms for mobile radiation regulations in September last year, it had been stated that the SAR value would be down to a revised 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg) from the earlier 2 W/kg. 

“DGFT may be requested to notify import of mobile phones with the prescribed SAR value in continuation to its earlier notification, prohibiting import of cellphones without the IMEI number,” stated the minutes of a recent internal DoT meeting that was chaired by additional secretary (telecom), Rita Tiwathia.

Industry executives present at the meeting, reportedly expect DGFT’s notification to arrive in a few weeks. Come September 1, 2013, new handset emission rules will be put into effect.