How to Register a Foreign Mobile Phone in Bangladesh?

If you’ve brought a mobile phone from foreign, now you need to register it in Bangladesh to keep using local mobile networks. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has made it mandatory to register all foreign phones through the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system. If your phone isn’t registered, it could be blocked after December 16, 2025. 

What is the NEIR System? 

The NEIR is a centralized database system managed by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). It stores the unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of every mobile phone used in Bangladesh. This system connects each handset’s IMEI with the user’s SIM card and National ID (NID), creating a verified link between the three. Only phones that are officially imported or locally manufactured and have their IMEIs registered in the system can stay connected to Bangladeshi mobile networks.

Why Does it Matter?

• Blocking illegal or grey-market phones: Phones with duplicate, fake, or unregistered IMEI numbers will no longer work on local networks. From 16 December 2025, the BTRC will ensure that only devices registered under the NEIR system will remain active in Bangladesh.
• Protecting government revenue: Every year, the government loses a large amount of money due to illegal handset imports and tax evasion. According to one report, the estimated loss is around Tk 500 crore (about BDT 5 billion) each year.
• Preventing fraud and misuse: Since every phone will be linked to its user’s SIM and NID, it will be much harder for criminals to use stolen devices, clone SIMs, or commit telecom fraud. Both the BTRC and the government have mentioned that many cases of digital fraud in recent years have come from unregistered mobile phones or SIMs that were not properly linked.
• Encouraging local manufacturing and fair competition: By stopping the flow of cheap, tax-evaded phones, the NEIR system supports legal manufacturers and helps maintain a fair market. Local mobile brands have raised concerns that illegal handsets currently hold around 35% to 40% of the market, and this move aims to fix that imbalance.

Does Every Foreign Mobile Phone Need Registration?

Yes, basically all foreign mobile phones that are used on Bangladeshi networks need to be registered. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) requires foreign-bought phones, whether brought personally, received as a gift, or sent by courier, to go through the Special Registration process under the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system.

• Foreign smartphones must be registered on the NEIR portal by providing the 15-digit IMEI, proof of import or gift such as a passport, visa, or receipt, and other necessary details.
• The BTRC also states that any phone using a Bangladeshi SIM must be listed in the IMEI database to be considered legal.
• Phones that were already in use before certain deadlines, for example before June 30, 2021, were treated as valid under the earlier rules.

What’s the Timeline?

If you have an illegal smartphone now, you should register it right away. You can use the portal to do this, and your network operator may also send you instructions via SMS. After 16 December, any phone that is not properly registered will no longer be able to use the network.

How To Register Your Foreign Mobile Phone?

1. Check Your Phone’s IMEI Validity Before You Attempt Registration:

• Send an SMS: KYD <space> 15 digit IMEI number and send it to 16002.
• If the reply says it’s valid and legal, good. If not, you cannot proceed until you fix the import / receipt issue. 

2. Access the NEIR Portal: Go to neir.btrc.gov.bd and create your personal account. 

3. Upload Required Documentation Under “Special Registration”: 

• Passport information page + Immigration stamp page. 
• Purchase receipt (showing when you bought or imported the device). 
• Customs duty certificate (if more than one handset under baggage rules). 
• If it’s a gift phone, the gift-giver’s declaration letter. 

4. Submit the Form and Wait for SMS Confirmation:

• If approved, your handset will remain connected. 
• If declined (invalid / cloned IMEI / unauthorized), your phone will be blocked from network access. 
• Check Status Anytime: Dial *16161# and input the IMEI to check. 

Why Does This Matter in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, a lot of mobile fraud, SIM misuse, and network-related crimes come from phones with invalid or cloned IMEIs. The NEIR system will help cut down these risks, making the mobile environment much safer. For tech-savvy users like us, this means stronger security, fewer stolen or refurbished phones on the market, and more focus on authorised devices. This move will also build trust in the local mobile industry, encourage legitimate imports, and reduce price issues caused by illegal phones. If you plan to buy a phone from abroad for personal use, registering it will ensure it works smoothly on local networks without any unexpected disconnections.

Pro Tips to Ensure Smooth Registration

• When buying a phone from abroad, keep the invoice and packaging, and make sure the IMEI is clearly visible and matches the device.
• Once the phone arrives in Bangladesh, check the IMEI using the SMS code provided.
• Register your phone within 30 days of using a Bangladeshi SIM, or it may get disconnected.
• If you buy a used or imported mobile phone locally, ask for proof of registration or the previous owner’s NID link to avoid getting an illegal device.
• Keep a digital copy of all the documents you upload, as they may be needed for manual verification later.
• Stay updated with BTRC news, especially regarding de-registration when selling or changing ownership of your phone.

Final Thoughts

Registering a foreign mobile phone in Bangladesh is now mandatory, not optional. Starting from 16 December 2025, the NEIR system will block any imported, gifted, or second-hand phones that are not properly registered.

By checking your IMEI and registering your phone with the required documents on the portal, you ensure your device keeps working, stay on the right side of the law, and avoid any connectivity problems. For anyone using a smartphone in Dhaka or elsewhere, spending a little time on registration is a small effort that guarantees uninterrupted service and peace of mind.

Most Common FAQs

Q. 1. How to register a foreign mobile phone in Bangladesh?

Ans: Visit the official NEIR portal at neir.btrc.gov.bd, create an account, go to the "Special Registration" section, and provide the device's IMEI number.

Q. 2. How to register a handset with BTRC in Bangladesh?

Ans:

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

Q. 3. How to check BTRC registered phone? 

Ans: BTRC can register a phone using its IMEI number by sending an SMS or by checking on the BTRC website. 

1. To check via SMS, text KYD <15-digit IMEI> to 16002. 
2. To check online, visit the BTRC NEIR website, create an account, and register to check the device's status.

Q. 4. Why IMEI registration?

Ans: The IMEI number itself doesn't directly affect your phone's performance. However, it is essential for network functionality.

Q. 5. What is the process of registering for IMEI?

Ans: 

Step 1: Application Submission: Register on the official IMEI portal using a user ID. Fill out the form with company details and submit required documents (Certificate of Incorporation, business licenses, etc.). 

Step 2: Document Inspection: Authorities review and validate the documents for compliance and authenticity.

Q.6. What are the benefits of IMEI registration?

Ans: 

1. Block a phone that is stolen.
2. You can trace a lost phone.
3. Identify your smartphone.
4. Warranty issues.
5. Tips to keep your IMEI number safe from hackers.