The Government has decided to postpone the radiation norms for mobile phones by a year till September 2013. This is because the handset makers are seeking more time.
The radiation norms were supposed to come into effect from this September.
From September 2013, only the mobile handsets with revised specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 1.6W/kg would be permitted to be manufactured or imported in India for the domestic market, according to a Department of Telecom proposal.
The Government has carefully considered the demand and supply position of mobile phones with revised SAR value, time required to launch new models and phasing out of existing models, the DoT proposal says.
“All new design of mobile handsets shall comply with the specific absorption rate (SAR) values of 1.6 W/kg averaged over one gram tissue from September 1, 2012. However, the mobile handsets with existing designs which are compliant with 2 W/kg averaged over 10 gram tissue, may continue to co-exist up to August 31, 2013,” it said.
The DoT had received requests from the manufacturers to permit existing designs of handsets complying with International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection norms to co-exist with the newly designed and introduced handsets as per the new norms.
However, other instructions that were directed in January will remain the same, including the manufacturer’s booklet containing safety precautions.
Self-declaration
Also, self-declaration of manufacturers for conformity to SAR level of mobile handsets and testing in International Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation (ILAC) accredited labs will continue to be enforced, it said.
They should also provide a self-declaration certificate accredited by ILAC or Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) India, in respect of SAR value based to the DoT for necessary action.
“Such self-declared SAR limits shall be subjected to TEC as and when required,” it added.