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Nepal telecom authority started blocking illegally imported cell phones
Interim Directives for the Implementation of National Equipment Identity Registry
(NEIR)-2072
1. Introduction:
Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is established for managing and regularizing the
telecommunications service and making it reliable and easily available to the public through
Telecommunication Act, 2053 (1997). Clause (f) of Section 13 and Section 14 of the Act
mandates the Authority to determine and/or approve the standard and quality standard of the
plant and equipment relating to the telecommunications and the telecommunications service and
Clause (m) of Section 13 of the Act mandates the Authority to develop and extend or cause to
develop and extend the Telecommunications Service in such a way that it protects the rights and
interests of the consumers. This interim directive for the implementation of National Equipment
Identity Registry (NEIR)-2072 will be effective from 1 Baishakh, 2073 till commencement of
Full Fledged Regulatory Framework/Directive of Implementation of Equipment Identity
Registry (EIR) from NTA.
2. Objectives:
This directive outlines the procedures and policies regarding Equipment Identity Register (EIR)
implementation in Nepal and is issued to accomplish the following objectives:
a. To meet the requirements for the national and consumer security
b. To identify the genuine mobile handsets and make the fake and non-genuine handsets
c. To enable tracking/blocking of mobile handset that is lost/ stolen.
d. To encourage to import and sell genuine mobile handsets
e. To minimize the possible grey market and encourage mobile handsets import through the
inoperable in Nepal
custom office(s).
3. Definitions:
Unless the subject or the context otherwise requires, in this directive.
a. “Act” means Telecommunication Act, 2053.
b. “Authority” or “NTA” means Nepal Telecommunications Authority-the regulator of
telecommunication sectors in Nepal.
c. “CEIR” means Central Equipment Identity Register which is a database that contains a
record of all the mobile handsets.
d. “Directive” means Interim directive for the implementation of National Equipment Identity
Registry (NEIR)-2072
e. “EIR” means the Equipment Identity Register which is a database that contains a record of
all the mobile handsets that are allowed in a network as well as database of all equipment that
is made inoperable.
f. “ESN” means Electronic Serial Number which is an 11-digit decimal number or 8 digit
hexadecimal number used to uniquely identify CDMA Mobile handset.
g. “Genuine IMEI/ESN/MEID” means IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of the mobile handsets that are
registered in NTA and IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of the mobile handsets which are placed in grey
list.
h. “GIIP” means Genuine IMEI Implant Program run by NTA.
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i. “IMEI” means International Mobile Equipment Identity which is used to uniquely identify
3GPP (i.e., GSM, UMTS and LTE) and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite
phones.
j. “Importer” means Organization who imports mobile handsets to sell in Nepal.
k. “MEID” means Mobile Equipment Identity which is used to uniquely identify CDMA
Mobile handset developed by 3GPP2 and is 56 bits long.
l. “MSISDN” means Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number.
m. “Operator” means the licensee of NTA who are operating cellular phone services in Nepal.
4. Roles and Responsibilities of Different Stakeholders:
This directive is being implemented in two phases. The duration of phase I is from Baishakh 1,
2073 BS to Ashoj 30, 2073 BS and the duration of phase II is from Kartik 1, 2073 BS to till
commencement of full-fledged regulatory framework for EIR implementation. NTA has issued
this directive to define the roles and responsibilities of cellular phone operators, mobile handset
importers, individuals, custom offices and NTA to meet the above mentioned objectives.
Roles and Responsibilities of Cellular Phone Operators:
Phase I
a. The Operators shall start providing basic function of EIR system to the concerned
b. The Operators shall establish and install the National Equipment Identity Registry
c. Operators shall conduct media campaign to create awareness in the country about phone
d. The Operators shall collect the data of cloned/fake/null IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile
stakeholders from their existing facilities effective from Baishakh 1, 2073 BS. These
includes:
i. Registration of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile handsets imported/purchased by
the importer/distributor upon the clearance of NTA.
ii. Registration of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile handsets of individual(s) upon the
clearance of NTA.
iii. Tracking of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of lost or stolen mobile handsets upon the
instruction of NTA. MSISDN shall be provided for the given
IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs if it latches in the network.
iv. Allowing to continue the services to all mobile handsets including those handsets
with fake or null or cloned IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs.
(NEIR) and necessary database(s) within end of Ashoj, 2073 BS so that all the systems
will be made ready for implementation of EIR by Kartik 1, 2073 BS. Operators shall bear
necessary expenditure/cost of the establishment, installation, operation and maintenance
of the said NEIR.
safety (e.g. proper registration, behavioral measures, content knowledge, non-functioning
of stolen mobile handset(s) etc.), noting IMEI/ESN/MEID number of phone and
reporting theft.
handsets that are already in use (i.e. prior to Baishakh 1, 2073) within first 3 months
period of Phase I effective from Baishakh 1, 2073 BS and submit the report to NTA and
also notify the concerned mobile user through SMS and IVR for awareness/warning
notifying the status of the unique ID of mobile handset.
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Phase II
a. The Operators shall start providing the services/ functions of EIR from the installed
NEIR system in phase I to the concerned stakeholders from Kartik 1, 2073. These
includes:
i. Registration of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile handsets imported/ purchased by
ii. Registration of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile handsets of individual(s) upon the
iii. Tracking and blocking of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of lost or stolen mobile handsets
iv. If a foreigner (roamer) uses international roaming services within territory of
the importer/distributor upon the clearance of NTA.
clearance of NTA.
upon the clearance of NTA.
Nepal through the SIM-card belonging to a foreign mobile operator, then there'll
be no need to register IMEI-code of the mobile phone here. So that in such case
allows getting access/service from the network to the mobile handset(s).
b. Operators shall make provision(s) within the indicated timeframe in this Directive so that
calls without genuine IMEI/ESN/MEID are not processed. No device/phone, other than
properly authenticated by NEIR, shall be allowed to have access/services from any
cellular phone network. For those handsets that are already in use till Chaitra 30, 2072,
the operator shall continue services in such handsets till chaitra 31, 2073 (i.e. till the
completion of GIIP conducted by NTA).
c. Operators shall keep the NEIR properly synchronized and updated online with CEIR.
d. Operators shall implement the NEIR from Kartik 1, 2073. Necessary coordination with
device/phone manufacturers must be done within this stipulated time.
e. The Operators shall complete the following tasks within Chaitra 30, 2073
i. Submit EIR Implementation Directives Compliance Report that contains all kinds
ii. Allow the Telecommunication/ICT related devices/phones that have valid
iii. Recognize the RUIM/SIM Registration Process (both for new-connection and
f. The operators should inform the consumers if their network detects handsets with false
(void/changed etc.) IMEI/ESN/MEID and ask them to implant Genuine
IMEI/ESN/MEID from Genuine IMEI Implant Program (GIIP) run by NTA within 6
months from Kartik 1.
Roles and Responsibilities of Importers:
Phase I and II
a. Importers shall not in any way import/allow/sell any unauthorized phone/device. They
shall import and sell only the mobile handsets type approved from the NTA.
b. Importer shall take their required responsibilities regarding NEIR, GIIP and any other
provisions regarding this directive.
of available support, support modality, related schematic diagram, equipment list
and any other related information to the NTA.
IMEI/ESN/MEID number from the recognized international organization (e.g.
GSMA and its associates) and registered in Nepal.
reissuance) by introducing a short-training for respective distributor(s), retailer(s)
and member(s) of Law Enforcement Agencies.
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c. Importer shall submit the IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile handset to NTA in electronic
form via email with the application as per the format specified in Annex-1.
d. Those mobile handsets already in market and not yet registered in NTA shall be
registered within end of Ashoj, 2073 by the concerned importer(s) or distributor(s).
Roles and Responsibilities of Individuals:
Phase I and II
a. If an individual brings mobile handset(s) from outside the country complying the custom
regulation, he/she shall apply to NTA in specified format as Annex-2 to register the
IMEI/ESN/MEID of mobile handset.
b. If mobile handset is lost or stolen, the concerned person has to apply an application in the
specified format as Annex 2 of this directive to track/block that mobile handset.
c. In case a foreigner (roamer) uses international roaming services within territory of Nepal
through the SIM-card belonging to a foreign mobile operator, then there'll be no need to
register IMEI-code of the mobile phone here in Nepal.
d. If the individual is the guest/tourist of our country, who want to enjoy the services offered
by local cellular phone operator(s), shall have to apply to NTA in specified format as
Annex-2 to register ІМЕІ-codes of their telephones within 15 days.
e. Every individual user is encouraged to check whether the unique ID of the mobile
handset is genuine/authentic or not.
f. Individual shall get implant Genuine IMEI/ESN/MEID from the Genuine IMEI Implant
Program (GIIP) run by NTA within 6 months effective from Kartik 1, 2073 if their
handsets have false (void/changed etc.) IMEI/ESN/MEID.
Roles and Responsibilities of NTA:
Phase I
a. If any individual user bringing mobile handset for non-commercial uses complying all the
customs regulation of Nepal request NTA for registering the IMEI number of such
mobile handset, the authorized officer of NTA shall instruct the Operators for immediate
registration of the IMEI/ESN/MEID number.
b. If any importer requests NTA for registering the IMEI/ESN/MEID numbers of mobile
handsets to be imported, the authorized officer of NTA has been recognized as the
rightful Authority to provide No objection letter to concerned Custom Office for custom
clearance purpose and provide the registered IMEI/ESN/MEID numbers to the Operators
for implementation of EIR.
c. NTA shall make necessary arrangement for implantation of new IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs for
mobile handsets having non-genuine IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs reported by the operators
during the period of phase I.
d. NTA shall provide list of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile handsets for all kinds of lists
(white/grey/black) to the Operators for registration in the EIR.
Phase II
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a. NTA shall conduct the Genuine IMEI Implant Program (GIIP) to implant Genuine
b. NTA shall prepare detail full-fledged regulatory framework for EIR implementation
c. NTA shall implement the full-fledged regulatory framework EIR implementation from 1st
d. NTA shall provide list of IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs of mobile handsets for all kinds of lists
IMEI/ESN/MEID upon the request from the individual to implant Genuine
IMEI/ESN/MEID if their handsets have false (void/changed etc.) IMEI/ESN/MEID.
within 1st quarter of the F/Y 2073/74.
Shrawan 2074.
(white/grey/black) to the Operators for registration in the EIR.
Roles and Responsibilities of Custom Office:
Phase I and II
a. During the custom clearance of mobile handsets, release only those mobile handsets
b. Assist and coordinate with the NTA in relation with the import of genuine/authentic
5. Date of Commencement of the Activities:
S.
No.
1. Start of NEIR From Baisakh 1, 2073
2. Tracking IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs From Baisakh 1, 2073
3. Establishment of Fully operational NEIR in
4. Implementation of Fully operational NEIR in
5. Initiation of GIIP From Kartik 1, 2073(for 6 months
6. Tracking as well as blocking of False
7. Preparation of Full fledged Regulatory
8. Implementation of Full fledged Regulatory
which are already type approved from NTA and having No objection letter with the lists
of IMEI/ESN/MEID numbers from NTA for custom clearance.
mobile handsets.
Type of Work/Establishment Date of Commencement
all kinds of Cellular Systems.
all kinds of Cellular Systems.
Within Ashoj 30, 2073
From Kartik 1, 2073
IMEIs/ESNs/MEIDs
Framework/Directive for EIR
Framework/Directive for EIR
period)
From Kartik 1, 2073
Within Kartik end, 2073
From Shrawan 1, 2074
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Annex 1: Format of Application
(To register in NEIR and release from Custom Office)
(Note: The applicant shall submit this form for each model separately.)
To,
The Chairman
Nepal Telecommunications Authority
Kathamndu, Nepal.
Subject:- About IMEI Nos.
In connection to the subject, I/we have attached the details of [Numbers of IMEIs/ESN/MEIDs]
numbers IMEI/ESN/MEID of mobile handset of Brand [Brand Name], Model No. [Model No.]
in the format given below in softcopy form (2 sets of CDs/DVDs). I/We would like to request
you to register those IMEI numbers to all operators in Nepal and recommend to [Name and
Address of Custom Office] to release the mobile handsets.
S.No. IMEI
I have attached the following document with this application.
1. Copy of Certificate from Office of Company Registrar, Ministry of Industry, Government of
Nepal or Department of Commerce and Supply Management, Government of Nepal and
2. Copy of Permanent Account Number Certificate from Inland Revenue Department, Ministry
of Finance, Government of Nepal)
3. Copy of Type Approval Certificate from NTA as applicable.
Thank you.
Regards,
Name: .........................................
Designation: ...................................
Signature: .........................................
Date: ...............................................
Seal of Company
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Annex 2: Format of Application to Register IMEI/ESN/IMEI
(For individual to register IMEI/ESN/MEID number(s) of mobile handset)
To,
The Chairman
Nepal Telecommunications Authority
Kathamndu, Nepal.
Subject:-About Registration of IMEI/ESN/IMEI Mobile Handset
In connection to the subject, I/we would like to request to register the IMEI/ESN/MEID
number(s) of mobile handset having the following details.
Details of Mobile Handset:
Brand Name:
Model No:
IMEI/ESN/MEID: ....................................................................................
Name of Applicant: .................................................................................
Citizenship No. or Other ID Card No. (For Nepalese Citizen): ...............................
In case of Foreigner:
o Passport No.: ................................. Visa No.: ..........................
o Validity of Visa till Date: ................................
Address of Applicant: ..............................................................................
Contact No. of Applicant: ...........................................................................
Email ID of Applicant: ..............................................................................
I have attached the Copy of Citizenship or Other ID Card/Copy of Passport and Visa with this
application.
Name of Applicant: .......................................................
Signature of Applicant: .................................................
Date: ...........................................................
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Annex 3: Format of Application
(To request to track/block the mobile handset)
To,
The Chairman
Nepal Telecommunications Authority
Kathamndu, Nepal.
Subject:-About stolen/snatched Mobile Handset
In connection to the subject, I/we have lost the mobile handset having the following details. I
would like to request to track/block this mobile handset from all the operators of Nepal.
Details of Mobile Handset:
Lost Date:............................... Lost Location:......................................
IMEI/ESN/MEID: ....................................................................................
Mobile Phone No (used in stolen/snatched Mobile Handset):..............................
Name of Applicant: .................................................................................
Citizenship No. or Other ID Card No.: .......................................................
Address of Applicant: ..............................................................................
Contact No. of Applicant: ...........................................................................
Email ID of Applicant: ..............................................................................
I have attached the copy of Citizenship or Other ID Card with this application.
Name of Applicant: .......................................................
Signature of Applicant: .................................................
Date: ...........................................................
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Annex 4: Format of No objection letter to concerned Custom Office for custom
clearance purpose
Ref. No.:......................... Date:.............................
Ch. No.:..................
To,
[Name and Address of Custom Office]
Subject:- No objection letter for custom clearance purpose
Upon the request of [Name and Address of Individual/Importer], NTA has verified and
registered the [Numbers of IMEIs/ESN/MEIDs] numbers IMEI/ESN/MEID number(s) of Brand
[Brand Name] and Model No. [Model No.]. NTA has no objection to release them according to
rules and regulations of Government of Nepal. Please find the CD/DVD containing
IMEI/ESN/MEID number(s) of the mobile handset.
...............................................
[Name of Authorized Officer]
[Designation]
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Annex 5: Format of Letter to provide registered IMEI/ESN/MEID numbers to the Operators for
Ref. No.:......................... Date:.............................
Ch. No.:..................
implementation of EIR.
To,
[Name and Address of Operators]
Subject:- Registration and Implementation in EIR System
Upon the request of [Name and Address of Individual/Importer], NTA has verified and
registered the [Numbers of IMEIs/ESN/MEIDs] IMEI/ESN/MEID number(s) of Brand [Brand
Name] and Model No. [Model No.]. Please allow them to have access/services from your
cellular phone network as listed in the CD/DVD/ softcopy version.
...............................................
[Name of Authorized Officer]
[Designation]
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