The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Friday it is banning all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.
The DOT said in an emergency order that individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.
The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo, it said, noting anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.
"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.
"We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."
On Tuesday, Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device.
Elliot Kaye, chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that the fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is "simply too great."
"I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund," Kaye said. "It's the right thing to do and the safest thing to do."
