How to Register an IMEI Number in India 2026?

The process of IMEI registration for imported mobile devices in India requires multiple steps, which must be completed through the Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction System (ICDR) portal that operates under the Sanchar Saathi system. The company must first establish itself as a registered entity before proceeding to obtain model approval, submit GSMA-certified IMEI numbers, and create an IMEI certificate required for customs procedures. 

Step-by-Step Process for IMEI Registration in India

Let’s go through the process of IMEI Number Registration in India, covering each stage to help manufacturers and importers complete registration smoothly and compliantly.

Step 1: Company Registration / Application Submission

The first step requires the company to complete its registration process on the Device Setu ICDR portal, which operates as the official registration platform. The user must create their login credentials while providing their company information and uploading documents, which include the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business registration certificates, the Authorized signatory details, and the Import/export licenses, if those licenses exist.

Step 2: Document Verification

The government authorities conduct their document assessment after the documents have been submitted. The verification process guarantees that the company exists as a real entity while it follows telecom rules and meets the requirements to register its devices. Authorities will request document corrections if they discover that the submitted documents contain errors or missing information.

Step 3: Brand / Model Registration

Once the company receives its approval, the applicants must complete the registration process for all device models. The process requires the submission of Brand name registration and TAC (Type Allocation Code), which comes from GSMA, and Device model number, Technical specifications, and Compliance certifications. The step establishes a connection between device models and international identification codes, which are accepted worldwide.

Step 4: Attribute Registration

Applicants must submit technical device attributes and IMEI details. Common attributes include Device frequency bands, SIM capability (single SIM, dual SIM, eSIM), Device category, Quantity of IMEI numbers, and Product features and configuration. This step creates a detailed device database.

Step 5: ICDR / GSMA Validation

IMEI numbers are validated through the GSMA ICDR system. Validation checks include Duplicate IMEI numbers, cloned or fake IMEI, Valid TAC linkage ,and Global uniqueness of device identity. The government can also direct manufacturers not to assign IMEI numbers already in use.

Step 6: Certificate Issuance

Once validation is completed successfully the Mandatory IMEI Registration Certificate is issued. 

Methods to Check IMEI Registration Status

After applying for IMEI Registration, you can simply track the procedure. Below, you can go through the different methods to check your IMEI Registration status: 

• CEIR Portal (India): The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) enables consumers to determine the current status of their mobile device and whether it is registered as a legal device.
• SMS Service: To check the IMEI of your mobile device, dial 14422 and send a text message with KYM(space)<15-digit IMEI number>.
• KYM App: Download the "Know Your Mobile" (KYM) App from either the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone) to find out whether your mobile device is legal.
• Online Third-Party Tools: Find sites such as IMEI.info or Swappa.com to verify whether your mobile device has been blacklisted, view its model, and in some cases, verify its registration status.

How to Find Your IMEI Number?

The IMEI Number registration provides several benefits, including mobile security by allowing lost or stolen devices to be tracked and blocked, thus reducing theft. If your product is IMEI registered, then you can find your IMEI Number through the following steps: 

• You can Dail on *#06#
• Go to Settings, click on About Phone, select Status (Android) or Settings in General, go to About (iPhone)
• Check the original mobile box
• Under the battery of your phone, check the SIM tray

Compliance Tips to Ensure a Smooth IMEI Registration Process

The following are some General Recommendations for Compliance Support of IMEI Registration:

• Ensure Your Technical Records are Correct: Make sure the technical specifications of your devices and TACs are complete and up to date, as well as keeping the proper compliance documentation to help minimize mistakes when registering your devices.
• Register Device Variants Individually: Each of your devices' models and/or variants must be registered separately to ensure compliance.
• No IMEI Duplicates: Ensure that every IMEI number assigned to a device is assigned correctly to avoid rejection or, more importantly, legal actions.
• Keep Current on DoT Guidelines: Be aware of any updates and/or regulatory changes issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regularly in order to help ensure ongoing compliance.

Hope this guide presented you the entire registration process in an easy-to-use method that helps to complete compliance requirements and launch products successfully.

Conclusion

Are you planning to launch or import mobile devices in India? Then, completing the IMEI registration is a mandatory  regulatory requirement that cannot be ignored. The Government of India requires IMEI registration to verify device authenticity while improving security for telecommunications networks. By understanding the step-by-step process to obtain an IMEI Number Certificate in India, manufacturers and importers will gain the ability to operate their telecom device distribution business without any compliance problems.

The IMEI registration process may be complicated due to specialized technical documentation, TAC verification processes, and the required submission to portals. ERCS Private Limited can help you throughout the process to make it simple and hassle-free.