ICA Moves to Curb Counterfeits !

In the face of exploding batteries triggering safety concerns about usage of mobile handsets, the Indian Cellular Association (ICA) has reportedly moved to tighten the grip on counterfeits sold in the grey market.
According to ICA, nearly nine crore original mobile handsets were sold in the country in 2007-08 along with service packs that included original batteries. However, 70 to 75 percent of the replacement battery market is still dominated by counterfeit batteries.

Counterfeiters illegally use names of well known brands by copying packaging and even misrepresenting technical specifications. The counterfeits are manufactured in extremely poor conditions using manual welding, poor slitting machines, and sub standard material. The fakes lack safety mechanisms such as Protection Circuit Module (PCM), etc.
Pankaj Mohindroo, national president of ICA, believes that there is an immediate need for the government to intervene and crack down on counterfeit mobile accessories and batteries so as to ensure the safety of consumers.
The ICA has sent an appeal to the government to rationalize the duty structure, which according to Mohindroo will go a long way in reigning-in the grey market.
Over the years, the quality and composition of batteries has evolved and new generation Lithium ion batteries are environmentally more friendly than earlier generation Nickel batteries. These batteries have extremely refined ingredients that ensure versatility and safety.
Besides, these batteries, unlike their predecessors, carry a Printed Circuit Board, which prevents overcharge and under charge. The typical life span of a lithium ion battery is 2-3 years under normal use.