The Bangladeshi government is introducing new, harsh measures to combat the illicit importation and usage of cloned, stolen, and refurbished mobile phones throughout the country.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting on December 1 between the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The purpose is to preserve the local market and legal enterprises and increase security.
Key Policy Changes Announced
1. Launch of the NEIR System
The National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system will be available starting December 16. This action aims to automatically prevent illegally imported, smuggled, and cloned phones by checking their IMEI numbers. The government has specifically announced that the dumping of old foreign electronic garbage, which is frequently brought in with new casings, will be discontinued.
2. Duty Reduction and Amnesty
The government has initiated steps to considerably cut the high import charge on legitimately imported smartphones, which is presently over 61%. This reduction is intended to lower the cost of lawful cellphones.
As a temporary measure, the government will offer a limited opportunity for unlawfully imported stock phones that are currently on the market to be legalised by December 16 by paying a lower tariff and submitting their IMEI lists to BTRC. However, no amnesty would be granted for cloned or reconditioned phones. Phones that were in use before December 16 will not be disabled.
3. Rules for Bangladeshi expatriates
New laws have been explained for Bangladeshi expatriates (remittance senders) to help them adjust and avoid being exploited by smugglers:
Temporary Use: Expatriates may use unregistered smartphones for up to 60 days while visiting. Registration is required only if the stay exceeds 60 days.
BMET Card Holders: Those with BMET registration cards can bring three phones duty-free (two new and one used). The tax must be paid on the fourth phone.
Non-BMET Holders: Others can bring one new phone in addition to their used device for free, as long as they have proof of purchase.
Authorities emphasised the importance of keeping purchase documentation with expats, citing tales of smugglers at airports in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Middle East compelling travellers to carry duty-free gold and pricey mobile phones.
Legal and Security Focus
The government is also implementing measures to protect user data. The proposed Telecommunications (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 currently assures data security for eKYC and mobile SIM registration, making registration data violations illegal. Furthermore, residents are being advised to ensure that no SIM cards are registered in their names without their knowledge as a crime-prevention step.
Customs and enforcement authorities plan to intensify operations at major entrance ports, focusing on aircraft from India, Thailand, and China that have been identified as smuggling routes.
