Specific Absorption Rate: The European Commission confirms measures taken by ANFR regarding the iPhone 12
The European Commission today published a decision in the Official Journal of the European Union confirming the measures taken in 2023 by the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) against Apple concerning the iPhone 12
On 12 September 2023, ANFR requested Apple to temporarily withdraw the iPhone 12 from the French market after finding that it exceeded the European regulatory limit for specific absorption rate (SAR) for the ‘limb’.
Acting as one of the national authorities jointly responsible for monitoring the European single market, ANFR notified the European Commission and Member States of this non-compliance.
At a later stage, ANFR noted that an update proposed by Apple resolved the non-compliance issue, which led it to restore distribution of the iPhone 12 in France. However, as this update had not been extended to the entire European single market, ANFR maintained its notification to the Commission and other Member States.
In the meantime, the Irish market surveillance authority submitted an objection confirming the compliance of the iPhone 12. The European Commission was obliged to open an adversarial procedure involving France, Ireland and Apple to assess the validity of the measures taken by France and define the course of action for other Member States.
Following this review, the Commission today confirms the validity of ANFR's actions and invites other EU countries to adopt appropriate measures.
The update, which has been successfully implemented in France since the end of 2023, could now be rolled out across all European countries.
About SAR :
SAR quantifies the amount of electromagnetic wave energy that may be absorbed by the human body. Monitoring SAR is a European regulatory requirement and must take into account foreseeable usage conditions.
Find out more : What is SAR ?
Press releases relating to the iPhone 12: