Govt warns device makers: tampering with IMEI can now lead to 3-year jail, ₹50 lakh fine

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a fresh advisory to device manufacturers, brand owners, importers and sellers, reminding them that tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers is a serious offence under India’s updated telecom security laws. The warning comes as the government tightens controls on counterfeit and unregistered devices entering Indian telecom networks.

Telecommunication identifiers such as IMEI — the unique number assigned to every mobile handset and cellular-enabled device — are now protected under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Section 42 of the Act prohibits altering or using equipment with tampered identifiers, and makes both possession and sale of such devices a criminal offence. Violations can attract up to three years’ imprisonment, fines up to ₹50 lakh, or both, and the offences are cognizable and non-bailable.

Under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, every IMEI-bearing device — including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, modems, dongles, SIM Boxes and cellular modules — must be registered with the government before its first sale, import, testing or R&D use. The registration is done through the Device Setu – Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR) portal.

The rules also require importers to register IMEI numbers before bringing any device into India. From 2025, the government may additionally direct manufacturers not to reuse IMEIs that already exist on Indian networks — a step aimed at curbing duplication and fraud.

To support enforcement, the government maintains a central database of tampered and blacklisted IMEIs. Anyone dealing in refurbished or second-hand devices must check this database and pay verification fees before completing a sale. Using devices with programmable or reconfigurable IMEIs is considered tampering and is punishable under the Act.

DoT said the strict compliance regime is critical to preventing counterfeit equipment, securing telecom networks, supporting law-enforcement investigations, and ensuring proper tax and regulatory adherence. As per the rules, the government also has the authority to direct telecom operators to block any device with a tampered IMEI from accessing networks.

The advisory urges manufacturers, importers, and retailers to ensure immediate compliance, noting that violations—whether through assembly, procurement or sale of devices with altered identifiers—will invite stringent legal action.

All registrations must be completed through the Device Setu–ICDR portal, which requires company details, brand and TAC (Type Allocation Code) verification, device model information, IMEI uploads and certification for customs clearance.