Armenia introduces IMEI code control for smartphones: expert explains how this will help combat "shadow" sales
30.06.2026,
14:31
The goal of introducing a unified IMEI number registry in Armenia is to combat illegally imported phones and "shadow" sales on the market, stated Nerses Yeritsyan, Director of the Information Systems Agency of Armenia (ISAA).
YEREVAN, June 30. /ARKA/. The goal of introducing a unified IMEI number registry in Armenia is to combat illegally imported phones and "shadow" sales on the market, stated Nerses Yeritsyan, Director of the Information Systems Agency of Armenia (ISAA).
He was commenting on the bill amending the Law on Electronic Communications, which envisages the introduction of a system for registering and controlling mobile phone IMEI codes. The bill is scheduled for parliamentary consideration.
"A registry of all legal IMEI numbers will be compiled, which will allow telecommunications companies to legalize devices with illegal IMEI numbers on equal and competitive terms," Yeritsyan said in an interview with Armenian Public Television.
He added that without registering IMEI numbers, telecommunications companies will not be able to activate phones.
"The system itself will not change fundamentally. It's simply about creating a centralized database for registering legitimate IMEI numbers. A single database will be created for citizens and businesses in line with international obligations. By accessing it, all entities using this service will be able to verify whether a device is legitimate and permitted for circulation," Yeritsyan said.
He stated that "combatting the shadow market is our top priority."
"Relevant regulatory mechanisms have already been developed to reduce the scale of the shadow market. This bill has been discussed in various formats. In particular, it was noted that this system must be established in accordance with EAEU requirements. In 2023, the EAEU adopted a resolution requiring member states to create a centralized database within the framework of the customs regulation of the Customs Union," Yeritsyan emphasized.
He also reported that this issue had been discussed with representatives of the private sector.
"During the public discussion phase, the draft was published on the e-draft platform, where business representatives and other interested parties could submit their suggestions and comments," Yeritsyan noted.
According to Yeritsyan, the high level of "shadow" mobile phone circulation in Armenia could pose cybersecurity risks.
About the draft law
The draft law amending the Law on Electronic Communications, adopted by the Armenian government on June 26, stipulates mandatory verification of IMEI codes by mobile operators when providing communications services.
According to the draft law, citizens importing a mobile phone manufactured in 2025-2026 into Armenia will be required to register the device by paying a state fee of 3,000 drams. Registration of older phones will be free.
Moreover, an increased duty is imposed on the import of additional telephones within one year: 100,000 drams for a device manufactured in 2026 and 20,000 drams for a telephone manufactured in 2025.
He was commenting on the bill amending the Law on Electronic Communications, which envisages the introduction of a system for registering and controlling mobile phone IMEI codes. The bill is scheduled for parliamentary consideration.
"A registry of all legal IMEI numbers will be compiled, which will allow telecommunications companies to legalize devices with illegal IMEI numbers on equal and competitive terms," Yeritsyan said in an interview with Armenian Public Television.
He added that without registering IMEI numbers, telecommunications companies will not be able to activate phones.
"The system itself will not change fundamentally. It's simply about creating a centralized database for registering legitimate IMEI numbers. A single database will be created for citizens and businesses in line with international obligations. By accessing it, all entities using this service will be able to verify whether a device is legitimate and permitted for circulation," Yeritsyan said.
He stated that "combatting the shadow market is our top priority."
"Relevant regulatory mechanisms have already been developed to reduce the scale of the shadow market. This bill has been discussed in various formats. In particular, it was noted that this system must be established in accordance with EAEU requirements. In 2023, the EAEU adopted a resolution requiring member states to create a centralized database within the framework of the customs regulation of the Customs Union," Yeritsyan emphasized.
He also reported that this issue had been discussed with representatives of the private sector.
"During the public discussion phase, the draft was published on the e-draft platform, where business representatives and other interested parties could submit their suggestions and comments," Yeritsyan noted.
According to Yeritsyan, the high level of "shadow" mobile phone circulation in Armenia could pose cybersecurity risks.
About the draft law
The draft law amending the Law on Electronic Communications, adopted by the Armenian government on June 26, stipulates mandatory verification of IMEI codes by mobile operators when providing communications services.
According to the draft law, citizens importing a mobile phone manufactured in 2025-2026 into Armenia will be required to register the device by paying a state fee of 3,000 drams. Registration of older phones will be free.
Moreover, an increased duty is imposed on the import of additional telephones within one year: 100,000 drams for a device manufactured in 2026 and 20,000 drams for a telephone manufactured in 2025.