DTI warns sellers on faulty Nokia cellphone batteries

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned sellers carrying the defective BL-5C battery found in Nokia cellphones to remove the recalled items from their shelves or risk confiscation of the faulty item.

“The Department will seal and confiscate faulty batteries found in the course of the monitoring,” DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya said during her visit at the Greenhills Shopping Center yesterday.

The DTI said they are still looking at the consumer welfare code for other possible sanctions.

During yesterday’s rounds, Maglaya was joined by DTI Assistant Secretary Angel Pelayo who went to check if the identified cellular phone battery is in the shelves.

“We were not able to find any of the Nokia BL-5C battery in this morning’s monitoring. But rest assured that we will continue to check more stores and inform retailers of the recalled product,” Maglaya reported.

She said the initial result is a good sign that the recalled battery is not for sale anymore. Greenhills Shopping Center is a popular market for both cellular phones and accessories.

Jay Exconde, Nokia’s head for after market services, accompanied the trade officials during the operations.

Exconde stressed that not all of the Nokia BL-5C batteries are included in the recall. Users are advised to log on to www.nokia.com/batteryreplacement or contact their local Nokia call center. Only Nokia BL-5C batteries produced for Nokia by Japanese contractor Matsushita between 2005 and November 2006 are being recalled.

Nokia officials explained they are not yet exchanging the cellular phone batteries and will inform customers the date when exchange will commence.

On Wednesday, DTI received an advisory from Nokia on the recall of the particular type of battery. The cellular phone maker is already implementing the voluntary BL-5C battery replacements.

“The recall of Nokia was a result of consumer complaints of overheating to which Nokia responded with a product recall,” Maglaya explained.

To enable smooth return of batteries subject to the recall order, the department asked Nokia to setup exchange centers in strategic locations. All affected consumers are advised to call Nokia Careline at +632 886-1234.