From March 24, 2025, changes to the rules for registering subscriber mobile devices will come into force. The new rules apply only to new devices imported into the country after 03/24/2025. Phones that already exist in the territory of Kazakhstan and are included in the Identification Codes Database (ICD) will automatically be included in the "white list" and will continue to operate without any restrictions.

These innovations are aimed at further improving the registration system and combating fraud, protecting consumer rights and increasing the security of using mobile devices.

Today, about 3.7 million devices with duplicate IMEI codes are registered in Kazakhstan. Their illegal import poses a significant economic and social problem. Such a mobile device market makes it difficult to control the legal circulation of devices, contributes to the increase in phone theft and creates unfair competition.

In order to address these issues, new rules have been introduced to ensure an open and secure mobile device market.

The main innovation is the verification procedure for mobile devices

In accordance with the new rules, a special system checks the following parameters during registration:

• The authenticity of the device's IMEI code
• The absence of the IMEI code in the GSMA international database of stolen, blocked or lost devices
• The device was legally imported into the territory of Kazakhstan

Note: The changes apply only to devices newly imported into the territory of Kazakhstan. Existing mobile phones that are already included in the ICD database will automatically be included in the “white list” and will continue to work without any restrictions.

What lists will appear?

As a result of verification, mobile devices are divided into three categories:

• White list - devices that have successfully passed verification, they will be registered without any restrictions.
• Gray list - temporarily allowed devices. Their owners must confirm that the device was imported legally within 30 days.
• Black list - illegally imported, counterfeit or stolen devices. They will be blocked.

How will this affect users?

• Phones that are already in use in Kazakhstan will continue to work without any restrictions. No additional action is required.
• Buyers of new devices after March 24, 2025 can check the IMEI code on the imei.rfs.gov.kz website before purchasing the device. The website is currently being updated in accordance with the new rules.
• Owners of devices on the “gray list” can use the device for 30 days. During this time, operators will notify the device via SMS about the need to verify the device. The message will contain a link to a special questionnaire that must be filled out.
• Owners of devices imported from abroad must indicate the date of crossing the border.
• If the user does not pass verification within 30 days, they can complete the verification process at any time by filling out the questionnaire using the link in the message.

These measures give consumers confidence that they are purchasing legal and high-quality devices. Open conditions for fair competition will be created for business, and the state will strictly control imports, reducing the number of illegal phones and reducing the level of fraud.

When will they come into force?

The new rules will come into force 60 days after the date of official publication - on March 24, 2025.

Citizens have no reason to worry - owners of officially registered devices do not need to take any additional actions. The Ministry will continue information work on the introduction of new rules.

Source: Official website of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Blocking illegal smartphones: How is IMEI verification carried out in Kazakhstan?

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhetysu-oblysy/press/news/details/937485