iPad has yet to undergo local Wi-Fi tests

The Israeli government has reportedly banned early iPad imports, according to the local paper Haaretz. The move does not represent a complete prohibition of the devices, but rather a temporary halt of the first production run that was only designed to be sold in the US instead of international markets.

The Israeli Communications Ministry allegedly directed customs officials to confiscate all iPads coming into the country. The ministry's engineering division has refused to "compromise on testing the device's suitability and compliance with Israeli wireless networks," according to the report.

Reports spoke to a man who attempted to enter the country with an iPad obtained in the US, only to be confronted by customs officers. The individual was notified of the ban and told to "send it back overseas." The device was then shipped to a customs warehouse until the man submits an application to the government for the return.

Although international buyers have been paying a premium for iPads sold on eBay, the current models are built with Wi-Fi signal strengths that fall in line with FCC regulations. American guidelines are slightly different than that of European or Israeli mandates.

The Israeli government is allegedly working to resolve the current ban, however at least 10 iPads have already been intercepted at the Ben Gurion International Airport. Apple recently announced that international sales will be delayed until late May, as US demand exceeded initial expectations. [via Christian Science Mentor]

by MacNN Staff