November, 2022
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India published a notification amending the Prevention of Tampering of the Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number, Rules, 2017 on September 26, 2022. DoT released a clarification on October 27, 2022, featuring the following information:
DoT has been requested to update the portal for local manufacturers of mobile phones for the registration of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR), which currently operates the portal, should be available for 24/7 operations. ICDR was requested to complete trial runs before officially implementing the portal.
DoT should release a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or User Manual to ensure efficient IMEI number registration for mobile phones.
Contact information should be published on the ICDR portal in case applicants have concerns or issues.
The industry must generate IMEI certificates for locally manufactured mobile devices. These certificates do not need to be shared with government authorities until further notice is given.
Individual users are not required to generate IMEI certificates if the new or used mobile devices are carried with the passenger or being imported for repair and return.
DoT clarified that issuing IMEI certificates for mobile devices is required for importation and exportation. The industry has requested that DoT removes the requirement for exportation, and the final decision from DoT has not yet been published.