International Mobile Equipment Identity Number

International Mobile Equipment Identity Number Latest News

India’s active wireless mobile subscriber base reached 1,204.01 million in July 2026 and it brings new security challenges i.e the misuse of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number or IMEI tampering.

About International Mobile Equipment Identity Number

• It is a unique 15-digit number that identifies a mobile device on a telecom network.
• The first eight digits of an IMEI form the Type Allocation Code (TAC), which identifies the device model or type.
• Allocation of IMEI numbers: The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) oversees the global allocation of TAC.
• GSMA allocate TACs to manufacturers and brand owners. Manufacturers then assign unique IMEIs to individual devices.
• A dual-SIM phone generally has two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.
• Identification: Users can dial *#06# on their mobile device to display its IMEI number.

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India’s IMEI Ecosystem

• Manufacturers: They must register the IMEI numbers of all applicable telecom devices manufactured in India with the Government before their first sale, testing, research or other use. 
  • Registration is carried out through the Device Setu–Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR) portal. 
• Importers: They must register IMEI numbers on Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR) portal with the Central Government before importing applicable telecom equipment into India.
• Resellers and retailers: They also must ensure that telecom devices offered for sale have valid and untampered IMEI numbers.
• Brand owners: They must ensure that devices sold under their brands comply with applicable IMEI registration and cybersecurity requirements.

India’s Legal Framework to Protect the Telecommunication Ecosystem

• The Telecommunications Act, 2023: It provides stringent action against tampering with telecommunication identifiers, including the IMEI number of mobile handsets and other telecommunication devices.
  • Section 42(3)(c) prohibits tampering with telecommunication identifiers. 
  • Section 42(3)(e) prohibits obtaining Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) or telecommunication identifiers through fraud, cheating or impersonation.
  • Violations may attract imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both. Such offences are cognizable and non-bailable under Section 42(7) of the Act.
  • Under Section 42(6), persons who abet or promote the commission of such offences are also liable to the same punishment.

Source: PIB