The Egyptian Customs Authority has launched a new mobile application designed to streamline the registration process for imported mobile phones, as part of broader efforts to regulate device imports and combat smuggling in the country. The initiative follows similar IMEI registration systems implemented in other nations, including Tajikistan’s mandatory device registration program.
The new “Telephony” application, available on both Android and iOS platforms, enables users to register their imported phones by entering the device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The system verifies the phone’s authorization status and facilitates the payment of customs fees through an electronic platform. IMEI numbers serve as unique identifiers for mobile devices and have become increasingly important in global efforts to combat phone theft and fraud, as demonstrated by recent initiatives in India’s cybersecurity operations.
Under the new system, citizens are granted a 90-day grace period to register their imported mobile phones and pay any applicable customs fees. During this transitional period, users can continue to use their devices without restriction. However, failure to complete registration and payment within the specified timeframe will result in the suspension of the phone’s functionality.
Vice Minister of Finance for Tax Policies Sherif El-Kilany revealed that approximately 95 percent of mobile phone imports currently enter Egypt through illegal channels, resulting in substantial losses to the public treasury and adverse effects on the local market.
The initiative aims to support the localization of Egypt’s mobile phone industry while ensuring fair competition in the telecommunications market. The electronic system implements governance measures and provides protection against smuggled, counterfeit, and non-compliant mobile devices, similar to measures taken by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in their recent crackdown on fraudulent devices.
To use the service, users must download the Telephony app from their respective app stores, enter their device’s IMEI number, and check for any applicable customs fees. The platform streamlines what was previously a manual process requiring in-person visits to customs offices.
The implementation of this digital registration system is part of Egypt’s broader modernization of its customs procedures, incorporating technology to enhance efficiency and accessibility for citizens while strengthening import controls. The approach matches global trends in customs modernization, though some countries like Kenya have faced legal challenges in implementing similar IMEI registration requirements.
Sources: MeaTech Watch, Egypt Today, Al-Ahram
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