New IMEI Registration Rules for Phones Brought from Abroad

The rules for bringing a cell phone from abroad have changed. The regulation made by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has updated some applications related to device registration processes, application processes, and IMEI usage. With the regulation, device registration processes will be carried out through the e-Devlet Gate.Especially, holders of Foreign Mission Identity Cards (official personnel with diplomatic status) who are exempt from tax by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will complete the necessary information and documents and apply through e-Devlet. The information declared during the application will be verified electronically by the relevant institutions and conveyed to BTK.The new regulation has also re-determined the usage period of devices belonging to foreign mission personnel. Accordingly, the IMEI numbers of devices belonging to holders of Foreign Mission Identity Cards who are exempt from tax will be on the white list for the duration of the identity card's validity. When the identity card's validity period ends, the devices can be used for another 120 days. At the end of this period, the IMEI numbers will be added to the black list and the device's use of electronic communication services will end.Devices brought from abroad with passengers will be added to the white list after the necessary checks are completed. The regulation has also changed the application for re-use of devices added to the black list. Accordingly, if a device added to the black list is started to be used again with any phone line, the relevant operator will immediately notify BTK with the subscriber number information.