Nokia on Tuesday issued a warning over its mobile BL-5C batteries manufactured by Matsushita Battery Industrial Co Ltd of Japan between December 2005 and November 2006, saying that the batteries may overheat while charging. The company has offered to replace as many as 46 million such batteries.

This product advisory does not apply to any other Nokia-branded battery.

Nokia has identified that in very rare cases the Nokia-branded BL-5C batteries subject to the product advisory could potentially experience overheating initiated by a short circuit while charging, causing the battery to dislodge.

Nokia is working closely with Matsushita and will be cooperating with relevant authorities to investigate this situation.

Nokia has several suppliers for BL-5C batteries who have collectively produced more than 300 million BL-5C batteries. This advisory applies only to the 46 million batteries manufactured by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006, from which there have been approximately 100 incidents of overheating reported globally. No serious injuries or property damage have been reported, the advisory note from Nokia said.

Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery.

While the occurrences in the BL-5C batteries produced by Matsushita in the time-period specified are rare, concerned consumers can request a replacement for any BL-5C battery subject to this product advisory.

It is important to note that the BL-5C battery is not used in all Nokia products and that only a portion of the Nokia BL-5C batteries in use are subject to this advisory.

How to identify a BL-5C battery manufactured by Matsushita during the relevant period

In order to determine if a battery is subject to this advisory, it is necessary to remove the battery from the device. A Nokia battery will have 'Nokia' and 'BL-5C' printed on the front of the battery.

On the reverse, the Nokia mark appears at the top and the battery identification number (consisting of 26 characters) is found at the bottom. Consumers should refer to this identification number to determine if their battery is among the batteries manufactured by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006.

A comparison of that number with those subject to this advisory will determine a consumer's ability to obtain a replacement free of charge.

Consumers should visit the website www.nokia.com/batteryreplacement or contact their local Nokia call centre.