How to check if your mobile is illegal or not

From 16 December 2025, illegal mobile phones in Bangladesh will no longer work on local telecom networks. The government will enforce the rule under the new National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system, launched by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to curb fraud and revenue loss.

The NEIR system will identify and disconnect all unregistered, cloned, or fake IMEI phones. Only approved, standard, and legally imported devices will be allowed to connect to mobile networks.

What buyers must do before purchasing a new handset

Starting from 16 December, consumers must verify the legality of any mobile phone before buying it – whether from a retail shop, online marketplace, or e-commerce site.

1. Always verify the phone's IMEI before purchase.
2. Keep the purchase receipt.
3. Once verified, the phone will be automatically registered under the NEIR system.

How to check if your phone is legal in Bangladesh

One can easily verify your device through an IMEI check using your phone's SMS option:

• Go to the message option and type KYD<space>15-digit IMEI number.
• Send the message to 16002.
• You will receive an SMS reply confirming the phone's validity.

Registering mobiles purchased or gifted from abroad

Phones bought or received from abroad will initially connect to the network. Users will then get an SMS instruction to register within 30 days via the NEIR portal.

How to register:

• Visit neir.btrc.gov.bd and create a personal account.
• Go to "Special Registration" option in the portal and enter your device's IMEI.
• Upload copies of necessary documents like passport, visa, and purchase receipt.
• Submit the form and wait for SMS confirmation.

If the handset is valid, it remains connected. Invalid or cloned IMEI devices will be disconnected. As per guidelines, a person can bring a maximum of one mobile phone from abroad duty-free, excluding a personal one previously used on the country's network. And can bring another mobile phone with duty.

Documents needed for NEIR registration

For personal use:

• Scan of passport information page, and immigration stamp page.
• Scan of purchase receipt.
• Customs duty certificate (if carrying more than one handset).

For gifted phones:

• Scan of passport information page, and immigration stamp page.
• Scan of purchase receipt.
• Customs duty certificate (if applicable).
• Gift giver's declaration letter.
• Customs duty certificate (if carrying more than one handset).

For postal deliveries:

• Scan copy of sender's passport or NID.
• Scan copy of recipient's NID.
• Purchase receipt and customs duty proof (if carrying more than one handset).

How to check the status of existing phones

If you are already using your handset before 16 December, 2025, it will be automatically registered. To confirm:

1. Dial *16161# on your phone.
2. Enter your 15-digit IMEI when prompted.
3. Receive your device's registration status via SMS.
4. This service can also be availed through the neir.btrc.gov.bd portal or the mobile operator's customer care centre.

Selling or transferring a used phone

If you sell or give away your phone, you must de-register it from NEIR. De-registration methods:

• Visit neir.btrc.gov.bd
• Use your mobile operator's portal or app.
• Dial *16161# through the USSD channel.

For de-registration, the SIM used in the customer's handset must be registered to its own NID. While de-registering the cloned or duplicate IMEI-equipped handset, the SIM number of the next user must be provided as additional information.

Corporate SIM users

Corporate subscribers will receive an SMS notice to update their NID information within 30 days through the USSD channel or Citizen Portal. De-registration will then require either a personal NID or Key Contact Point (KCP) NID.

If your mobile is stolen or lost

Lost or stolen phones can be blocked or unlocked at any time using:

• The NEIR portal or the NEIR mobile app.
• Or via your mobile operator's customer care centre.

Those without internet access can still use NEIR services by dialling *16161# on their phone, calling their mobile operator's helpline at 121, or visiting the nearest customer service centre for assistance.

Guidelines for manufacturers and importers

All phone manufacturers and importers must:

• Follow BTRC's official production and import guidelines.
• Submit IMEI data before marketing any handset.
• Note that unregistered IMEIs will be blocked from network access.

For mobile retailers

• Always verify IMEI numbers before accepting or selling stock.
• Do not sell fake or unlisted IMEI devices as they will not connect to the network and could lead to penalties.

For any assistance with NEIR registration or IMEI verification, users can call the BTRC help desk number (100), contact their mobile operator's customer care number at 121, or visit the official NEIR portal at neir.btrc.gov.bd for detailed information and updates.