Israel has banned imports of Apple latest product, the iPad, citing concerns the powerful gadget's wireless signals could disrupt other devices.
Customs officials have already confiscated about 10 of the lightweight tablet computers since Israel announced the new regulations this week. The ban prevents anyone from bringing iPads into Israel until officials certify that they comply with local transmitter standards.
The US Federal Communications Commission allows devices with Wi-Fi capability to broadcast at higher power levels than are allowed in Europe and Israel - meaning that the iPad's stronger signal could throw off others' wireless connections.
"If you operate equipment in a frequency band which is different from the others that operate on that frequency band, then there will be interference," said Nati Schubert, a senior deputy director for the Communications Ministry. "We don't care where people buy their equipment. ... But without regulation, you would have chaos."
Some Israelis successfully got the popular devices into Israel before the ban.
The iPad combines the features of a notebook computer with the touch-pad functions of the iPod. It went on sale in the US almost two weeks ago. Apple this week delayed its international launch until May 10th, citing heavy sales in the US.
Israeli officials said the ban has nothing to do with trade and is simply a precaution to assure that the iPad doesn't affect wireless devices already in use in Israel.
Although Israeli standards are similar to those in many European nations, Israel is the only country so far to officially ban imports.
Mr Schubert said he expects the problem to be resolved as Apple moves closer to the international release.
In the meantime, confiscated iPads will be held by customs - for a daily storage fee - until their owners depart the country or ship the gadgets back to the US at their own expense.
AP