The government has deferred the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system until January 1, 2026, extending the deadline for mobile-phone traders to submit the details of unsold handsets.
The NEIR system, aimed at curbing the use of illegally imported mobile phones, was originally scheduled to be launched tomorrow.
However, the authorities observed that many handset traders had yet to submit the IMEI numbers and the related information of the previously imported but unsold or stocked phones, despite being given time until December 15 to do so.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Deputy Director (Media) Zakir Hossain Khan confirmed the revised schedule on Monday, saying the decision was made to facilitate businesses that had not been able to complete the data submission process.
As a result, December 31 is now the deadline for submitting IMEI numbers and the relevant details of unsold handsets.
Mobile phone traders have been requested to submit the required information in the prescribed Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) format via email within the extended deadline.
The NEIR system will verify every mobile handset operating on Bangladesh's telecom networks.
According to the BTRC, the system will automatically identify whether a handset has been legally imported, locally manufactured, or brought into the country through unofficial channels.
All legally approved devices currently in use will be registered automatically through biometric SIM registration, while unregistered or second-hand devices will need to follow a separate registration process.
Traders involved in the grey market were earlier given a three-month grace period to adjust to the new system.
bdsmile@gmail.com
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
