DoT Mandates IMEI Registration on ICDR Portal Before First Sale, Warns Against Tampering
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, (and) Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Communications | Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a caution to all manufacturers, importers, and resellers, mandating strict compliance with new regulations on International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to secure Indiaβs telecom networks.
Under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, all manufacturers and importers must register the IMEI number of every device (including mobile handsets, modems, SIM boxes, smartwatches, and laptops) with the Government prior to its first sale or import. This registration must be done on the Device Setu (Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction - ICDR) portal.
Furthermore, the DoT highlighted that under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, tampering with any telecommunication identifier, including an IMEI, is a cognizable and non-bailable offense. Penalties for tampering, or the willful possession of a tampered device, include imprisonment for up to three years, fines up to βΉ50 lakh, or both. The Government also maintains a central database of tampered IMEIs and may direct telecom entities to block their use on any network.
The mandatory pre-sale registration of all mobile devices on the ICDR portal is a significant policy shift from mere voluntary disclosure to strict regulatory enforcement. This move is critical for tackling the organized crime associated with mobile theft, cloning, and the use of counterfeit devices, directly strengthening the integrity and security of Indiaβs telecom infrastructure and digital economy.
What is the Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR) portal?β The ICDR portal (also known as Device Setu) is a centralized, government-operated database established by the DoT. Its primary function is to track and manage the IMEI numbers of all mobile devices legally manufactured in or imported into India. By mandating pre-sale registration, the portal allows the government to identify and block counterfeit, stolen, or illicitly tampered devices from accessing Indian telecom networks, enhancing consumer safety, facilitating law enforcement, and ensuring regulatory adherence.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What specific digital literacy and compliance support mechanisms is DoT providing to small, non-technical resellers to ensure they can verify IMEIs against the national database?
Follow the full news here: DoT Cautions Manufacturers, Importers and Resellers about Mandatory IMEI Registration