The Ministry of Communications (MoC) on November 17, 2025, issued the notification regarding the caution to Manufacturers, Importers and Resellers about Mandatory IMEI Registration and Consequences of IMEI Tampering.
The following has been stated namely: -
• Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, tampering with telecommunication identifiers (including IMEI) is strictly prohibited. Possession of devices knowingly using tampered or unauthorized identifiers is also an offence.
• Violations can lead to imprisonment up to 3 years, fines up to ₹50 lakh, or both. Offences are cognizable and non-bailable, and the same penalties apply to abetment or promotion of such violations.
• Manufacturers and importers must register IMEI numbers before sale, import, testing, R&D, or any use at the Device Setu (ICDR) portal. All IMEI-bearing devices such as phones, tablets, smartwatches, modules, dongles, SIM Boxes, etc. must be registered.
• The government may direct manufacturers not to assign IMEIs already active in Indian networks. Buyers and sellers of used devices must verify IMEIs against the national blacklist database before transactions.
• Rules prohibit removal, alteration, or use of programmable/tampered IMEIs. The government can block such devices from telecom networks, ensuring security, anti-counterfeit protection, regulatory compliance, and support for law enforcement.
[Release ID: 2190763]
