The enhanced mobile radiation norms, which were to come into effect on September 2012 has now been deferred to September 2013. The government has done so on the behest of mobile handset makers and various industry bodies seeking more time to implement the new guidelines.
Earlier, DoT in November, 2011 accepted recommendation submitted by the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) on elecromagnetic radiation being emitted from mobile phone towers. It decided to implement the same from April 1, 2012. However, facing oppositions from various stakeholders on the new mobile radiation norms being too stringent, DoT made some changes in its guidelines and came out with the new radiation norms for the telecom sector in January, 2012.
According to the DoT guidelines, only the mobile handsets with revised specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 1.6W/kg are to be permitted to be manufactured or imported in India for the domestic market. DoT had also directed manufacturers to provide handset buyers with a booklet containing safety precautions on safe use of handsets.
Handset manufacturers will also have to provide a self-declaration certificate accredited by International Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation or by Telecom Engineering Centre of India, in respect of SAR value in the handsets.
