In the wake of recent reports of Nokia batteries exploding and causing injury, Indian Cellular Association (ICA) today urged consumers to use only genuine, company-approved mobile accessories and enhancements.
Nokia, on its part, insisted its batteries are tested against internationally-recognised quality standards and own stringent quality requirements, suggesting that the faulty batteries could be counterfeit ones.
The ICA, in a press statement, reasoned that while nearly nine crore original mobile handsets were sold in India in 2007-08 along with the service pack (which includes an original battery), almost 70-75% of the replacement battery market is still dominated by counterfeit batteries. While original batteries cost anywhere between Rs 500-Rs 700, a counterfeit can be bought for as low as Rs 300. As counterfeits are manufactured in extremely poor conditions with manual welding, poor slitting machines, and non-standard coating material, they lack safety mechanisms and hence are deemed unsafe.
The ICA has appealed to the government to lower the duties on the import of batteries which is currently at 34%. Pankaj Mohindroo, national president, ICA, also noted that "there is an immediate need for the government to intervene and crack down on the malice of counterfeit mobile accessories and batteries to ensure the safety of consumers."
It is estimated that the Rs 4.5 crore battery replacement market is flourishing through the 100,000 mobile stores. Of that, nearly half the stores sell batteries of cheap quality, according to the ICA. For companies like Nokia that have been in the line of fire recently for their battery overheating issues, fighting counterfeits battery sales is a tough battle. It is these counterfeits batteries, say experts, that have caused a stir in the market with subequent explosions. D Shivakumar, vice president and managing director, Nokia India, said: "Nokia only uses reputable, high quality battery suppliers and regularly assesses their production sites to ensure that appropriate quality systems are in place."
The amount of charge a battery can hold gradually decreases due to usage and aging and it should be replaced once the back up of the battery falls below 50%. The typical life span of lithium-ion battery is 2-3 years under normal use. Over the years, the quality and composition of batteries has evolved and the new generation Lithium-Ion batteries are more environmental-friendly than the earlier generation Nickel batteries. All genuine manufacturers and handset companies have originality marks on their products like a hologram and consumers should always be vigilant and check such things before buying a battery or any mobile accessory.
"A mobile is as safe as any other consumer electronic device used at home. However, consumers need to be mindful and should follow steps advised by the manufacturer to ensure safety of their cellphones and longevity of the batteries," added T V Ramachandran, director general, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
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SO BECAREFUL ABOUT UR NOKIA BATTERIES..
