The US Consumer Product Safety Commission Friday urged Note 7 owners to stop using it.
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Samsung recalled the phone last week after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging.
After the phone’s release on August 19, reports surfaced of the device catching fire. It’s not even technically a recall-it’s a “product exchange program“.
Transport Canada’s American counterpart, the Federal Aviation Administration, issued a similar warning Friday.
Samsung on Friday announced that it will put “clear identifiers” on the boxes of replacement Note 7 units to signify they’re not explosive.
The cause for the explosions is believed to be related to faulty batteries produced by Samsung SDI. It seems the CSPC agrees.
The CPSC’s statement also says that it is considering whether that exchange program is actually enough.
Millions of Samsung phone users are being urged by the US government to turn off their phones immediately after several reports of the Galaxy Note 7 phones catching fire and exploding surfaced.
“Lithium-ion batteries pack a lot of power into a small package”, the CPSC said in a statement.
Details on an official recall will come “as soon as possible”, the agency said.
So while the Samsung recall does look to advise customers that they should return their Galaxy Note 7, this upcoming announcement will not only officially advise the same, but will also look to legitimize the recall, which is not that far off legally enforcing a full recall of the device.
In some cases, the device’s lithium batteries sparked fires, including one that destroyed a Jeep in St. Petersburg, Fla.
[Update]: Samsung has issued its own statement confirming that it is working with CSPC.
“However, because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority at Samsung, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note7”.
“Our collaboration with the CPSC, carrier partners, and via our own communication channels is aimed at ensuring all Note7 users are aware of the issue and understand their options”, adds Baxter. Samsung Australia will also be launching an online database on September 13 that’ll allow consumers to enter the IMEI of their Note 7 to determine if it’s faulty or not. The company announced on its website that those customers who have already bought the smartphone will be able to have it replaced with a new one in about two weeks.
Exchange current Galaxy Note7 for a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge and replacement of any Note7 specific accessories with a refund of the price difference between devices.
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The reports led to America’s airline regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to warn passengers yesterday about putting devices in their checked bags.
