Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recalled but the Royal Mail is REFUSING to deliver them
Post Office staff declining packages amid fears that supposedly safe versions of the phone are also catching fire
Royal Mail and ParcelForce are refusing to deliver Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices following reports that even supposedly safe versions of the phone are also prone to catching fire.
The British postal service has confirmed that it will now refuse to ship the explosion-prone smartphone, even if it's being returned to Samsung.
Samsung’s has told UK customers who have a Galaxy Note 7 to return their phone.
In order to do this they had to contact the place of purchase of the phone such as Samsung themselves, The Carphone Warehouse or their phone network.
But this might prove tricky if they don't live near a shop.
There is a directive in place requiring the Post Office to ask about the contents of every package.
The website Android Authority said this allowed Royal Mail staff to refuse any parcel containing a Galaxy Note 7.
It claimed six Post Offices have now taken it upon themselves to not accept packages containing any type of Samsung phone.
The site has already confirmed with six Post Offices that they couldn’t carry the Galaxy Note 7 and of these, two said they wouldn’t accept any Samsung Galaxy phone.
Samsung was forced to recall 2.5 million Note 7 handsets shipped to the US, South Korea and other markets last month, following complaints that faulty batteries caused the phones to explode while charging.
Royal Mail's refusal to handle the South Korean company’s controversial smartphone comes after a Chinese Samsung Note 7 owner claimed his device exploded while charging, raising fears of fresh battery issues.
Samsung currently sources batteries from a number of companies. The electronics giant has not named the maker behind the faulty battery but uses a different supplier for the Chinese market, where sales were not suspended.
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A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7, Royal Mail and ParcelForce are unable to accept the posting of earlier versions of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 phones.
"For several years, there have been Government restrictions in place around the transport of lithium batteries, which are also present in the Galaxy Note 7.
"All customers are asked to detail what is in each package so that we can make sure that we are not carrying items that are hazardous. Faulty lithium batteries are prohibited in the mail by transport regulations to all destinations”.
The refusal could pose quite a predicament for Samsung, who would undoubtedly have a hard time sending working models or receive faulty handsets to and from customers.
A Samsung spokeswoman said: “Customer safety is our absolute priority. We are engaging and cooperating with all relevant regulatory bodies, institutions and organisations to ensure that they are aware of the latest information regarding the Note7.
"We are working closely with our retail partners to make it as easy and convenient as possible for customers to exchange their device, offering a variety of delivery service options as well as replacement at customers' original point of purchase.
"Customers who are uncertain if their device should be replaced or have any questions about the process of replacing their device are advised to contact Samsung customer service on 0330 726 1000.”
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