Authorities mull law to combat illegal imports of mobile handsets

The government considers passing a law that would make it impossible for customers to use mobile phones bought abroad or imported illegally in Belarus. Customers would have to pay to make a SIM card operational.

If the law is adopted the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of legally imported phones will be registered in a national database. Mobile operators will be prohibited from providing services to the owners of phones with unregistered IMEI numbers.

The rule would not apply to the phones that have been in use. But if one buys a handset abroad after the law takes effect, he/she would have to pay an IMEI registration fee, Salaudzi Mahamadau, a senior officer with the Prosecutor General's Office, told Euroradio.

The law is aimed to fight illegal imports of handsets. It would also help trace stolen phones. For instance, if you buy a stolen phone you will be able to use it, but the operator will identify its IMEI number as soon as you insert your SIM card.

If the law is enacted, it would be logical to simplify the certification process. Many phones are imported illegally because of complex certification procedures. However, Mikalay Kaledzin, deputy head of the Hiprasuvyaz Certification Center, says that simpler certification may be considered only after the law enters into force. "We usually say something when a law is on our table. As to what is planned, it would be empty talk."
It is unclear how foreign visitors would use their phones in Belarus. "The draft law sets forth strategic goals. All procedures will be based on its requirements," Mahamadau explained.
He noted that the Ministry of Trade is currently examining the proposal that is to be finalized early next year.

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