The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has amended the prevention of tampering of the Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number Rules, 2017. As per the amendments, mobile phone manufacturers will have to register the international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number of every phone manufactured in India with the Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction portal of the government prior to the first sale of the phone. Additionally, the IMEI number of the mobile phone imported to India for sale, testing, research or any other purpose shall be registered by the importer with the Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction portal prior to import of the phone into the country.
According to a gazette notification released by the DoT, these rules may be called the prevention of tampering of the Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number (Amendment) Rules, 2022. The rule for mobile manufacturers shall come into force with effect from January 1, 2023, and that for importers shall come into force on the date of publication of the rules, that is, September 26, 2022.
