DGCA Lifts Restrictions on New Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Phones

India has lifted restrictions placed on using and carrying Samsung Electronics Co's Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones on commercial airplanes, but only for devices purchased after September 15 2016, the country's aviation regulator said.

(Also see: Samsung Provides Update About Recovered Galaxy Note 7 Units)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), earlier in September, warned passengers and airlines from turning on or charging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones when they are on board or storing them in checked-in baggage.

Samsung has not started selling Galaxy Note 7 phones in India as yet, the company said in a statement, adding that it will only sell new devices in the country that will have a green battery icon to indicate it is safe to charge and use on a flight.

The restrictions will continue to apply to phones purchased before September 15 this year, DGCA said in a statement.

(Also see: Samsung Executives Meet DGCA Officials Over Galaxy Note Series Ban)

Samsung recalled its Galaxy Note 7 phones across the globe this month due to faulty batteries, which caused the devices to catch fire, when they are on charge or in normal use.

© Thomson Reuters 2016