IMEI Registration

IMEI certification is a mandatory regulatory requirement for cellular-enabled devices to legally access mobile networks. It ensures each device is uniquely identified, authenticated, and traceable through a registered IMEI number. Governments and telecom authorities use IMEI systems to prevent counterfeit devices, block stolen or non-compliant handsets, and protect network integrity. For manufacturers and importers, IMEI compliance supports lawful market entry, smooth customs clearance, and uninterrupted network connectivity across regulated markets.

IMEI certification is mandatory to ensure cellular devices are identifiable, traceable, and legally permitted to operate on telecom networks. It forms the foundation for network authentication, regulatory oversight, and device security.

• Enables telecom networks to recognize and authenticate devices for voice, data, and messaging services
• Allows authorities to trace devices on networks for security, theft prevention, and misuse control. The 15-digit IMEI includes an 8-digit TAC (Type Allocation Code) that identifies the  device brand, manufacturer, and model
• Helps block counterfeit, cloned, or duplicated devices from accessing telecom networks

IMEI certification applies to all devices with 3GPP cellular connectivity, including smartphones, feature phones, tablets, IoT devices, modems, dongles, POS terminals, wearables, vehicles (TCU), UAVs, routers, and satellite-enabled devices. Each model must carry a GSMA-issued TAC used to generate valid IMEI numbers for legal global network operation.

• Smartphones & Feature Phones: All GSM, UMTS, and LTE/5G handsets.
• Tablets & Wearables: Cellular-enabled iPads, Android tablets, and LTE Smartwatches.
• IoT & M2M Modules: Industrial sensors, smart meters, and tracking devices.
• Connectivity Hardware: Mobile hotspots (Dongles/Wingels) and cellular routers.

Documents Required for IMEI / TAC Certification

• Business License & Registration
  Valid proof of company incorporation, business license, and registered office address to establish legal identity.
• Director / Management Details: KYC details of directors or key management, including ID proof and authorised signatory information.
• Brand Registration Proof
  Trademark or brand registration certificate confirming rightful ownership or authorisation to use the brand.
• Brand Authorisation (If OEM / Outsourced Manufacturing)
  An authorisation letter or agreement between the brand owner and the manufacturer.
• Quality & Legitimacy Documents
  ISO certificates and compliance records to demonstrate credibility and structured business operations.
• Device Technical & Band Profile
  Complete 3GPP-compliant details covering supported technologies, frequency bands, and connectivity features.

The process to register the IMEI Number can be described in various stages

1. Brand Registration – The manufacturer or brand owner registers the brand with the authorised certification body. This is a one-time approval requirement.
2. TAC Credit Purchase – After brand approval, TAC credits are purchased to enable model-wise TAC applications.
3. TAC Application – An 8-digit TAC is applied for each device model, along with the submission of the device band profile and technical features.
4. Certification Body Review – The certification body reviews the application for accuracy and compliance.
5. TAC Approval & IMEI Generation – Once approved, the TAC is issued and IMEI numbers can be generated and embedded into devices.
6. Model & Volume Control – One TAC allows IMEI generation for up to 1 million units of that model. New models or higher volumes require a new TAC

TheIMEI  Certification and registration can be divided into 2 parts

• For a new applicant, brand name registration and approval typically takes 4–5 working days, depending on the completeness and availability of the required documents.
• Once the brand approval is completed, the TAC application and approval process generally takes an additional 4–5 working days, subject to successful review by the certification body and accuracy of the submitted device details.

IMEI certification follows a per-model registration structure. For each device model, a TAC credit must be purchased, which allows IMEI generation for up to 1 million devices. The TAC fee is USD 450 per model, and it remains valid for the entire lifetime of the product as long as the model stays in the market.

If production of a specific model exceeds 1 million units, an additional new TAC must be purchased for that model. Apart from the TAC fee, IMEI TAC registration costs may also include consultancy charges, covering end-to-end support to ensure a faster, smoother, and fully compliant certification process.

An IMEI number has lifetime validity. Once a valid IMEI is generated using an officially allocated TAC, it does not expire and remains permanently associated with that specific device throughout its operational life.

There is no renewal requirement for IMEI numbers. However, the IMEI must not be altered, reused, or duplicated. If a device model undergoes major hardware or network-affecting changes, a new TAC and new IMEI range may be required for the updated model.