Govt moves to block cloned, stolen and refurbished phone imports

The government has decided to block the import of cloned phones, stolen or snatched handsets, and refurbished devices, while also allowing eligible expatriates to bring multiple phones tax-free.

Officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) reached the decision at a meeting in Dhaka on 1 December. They also agreed on seven additional measures.

Expatriates holding a Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) registration card will be able to bring three phones without tax — their personal device plus two new sets. Others without BMET cards may bring one extra phone tax-free, provided they carry legitimate purchase documents to prevent smuggling through international airports.

The meeting also resolved to reduce the existing 61 percent tax on legitimate smartphone imports in order to lower prices and encourage legal trade. Since reduced import duty would affect domestic manufacturing, authorities will adjust taxes on phones produced at the 13–14 manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh to prevent damage to foreign investment and protect the local industry.

Authorities urged citizens to remain alert about SIM cards registered under their names, as these may be used in cybercrimes, online gambling, mobile financial fraud, or other criminal activities. Officials advised everyone to use only SIMs registered in their own names.

Before 16 December, businesses that possess illegally imported devices with valid IMEI numbers may submit the IMEI list to BTRC to legalise them with reduced duty. However, this option will not apply to cloned or refurbished phones. No currently active phone in use will be disconnected before 16 December, and consumers were asked not to believe rumours suggesting otherwise.

From 16 December, the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) will take effect. Phones without valid IMEI numbers will be blocked. Officials said this step will shut down the dumping of discarded foreign handsets entering Bangladesh through casing changes and underground markets.

Customs authorities are already tracking high-risk flights arriving from India, Thailand and China, and will soon carry out targeted enforcement actions at airports and land ports.

As part of the draft Telecommunications Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, the government has added new provisions to safeguard data relating to SIM e-KYC and IMEI registration, placing violations within criminal jurisdiction. The government encouraged the public not to spread or trust misleading rumours.