Samsung Galaxy Note 7s is now considered a contraband for all flights to and from the United States of America. It is no longer flight ready, according to a law passed by a group of US regulators on Friday.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) also warned that the smartphone cannot be shipped as air cargo.
Under federal regulations, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7s has been described as a “forbidden hazardous material“, and the ban goes into effect Sunday, October 16.
Samsung halted production of the smartphone after multiple cases of explosion was reported.
The South Korean company earlier initiated recall plans, and passengers were allowed to take their phones onto aircrafts but advised that the product must be powered off. People were also told not to charge them or stow the phones in checked baggage but the worsening case of overheating and explosions warranted a complete ban on the smartphone from all airports.
Read: It’s Now Illegal To Use Samsung Galaxy Note 7 On Planes, FAA Warns.
Consumers have been warned not to use Samsung’s Note 7 not only on planes but at their homes to avoid a possible risk to lives and property.
Read: Samsung Warns Galaxy Note 7 Users To ‘Turn It Off’ As Company Halts Global Sales To Save Lives.
“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement. “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.”
Samsung will no longer produce the Galaxy Note 7s as it painfully accepts the huge loss – estimated to amount a few billions.
All passengers are forbidden to take the banned product with them while boarding planes. Offenders could also face a fine and have their phone confiscated, the authorities warned.
“Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines,” the statement adds .
Meanwhile, Samsung claims it is collaborating with airline carriers to sensitize people on the ban.
“The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye. “I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund. It’s the right thing to do and the safest thing to do.”
“We have encouraged airlines to issue similar communications directly to their passengers,” the company said in a emailed statement Friday. “Any Galaxy Note 7 owner should visit their carrier and retail store to participate in the US Note 7 Refund and Exchange Program now. We realize this is an inconvenience but your safety has to remain our top priority.”
Passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone. Samsung has provided guidance for customers about refund and replacement options, as well as how to contact wireless carriers, at http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/[external link]. Samsung is also answering customers’ questions at 1-844-365-6197.
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