[108378] Dramatic changes to mobile device registration from abroad: The Turkish Information Authority updates procedures

Update to the IMEI registration system in Turkey

Starting today, July 2, 2026, new regulations governing the registration of mobile phones imported from abroad into Turkey have come into effect. The dramatic changes were announced by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Turkey (BTK).

According to a report by TGRT HABER, this is a significant change to the IMEI registration system. The channel, which is identified with an approach focused on economic and consumer news, emphasizes in its report that "the implementation began today" and calls on citizens bringing devices from abroad to pay attention to the new changes.

At the same time, Haber Gündem reports that the BTK has updated a series of procedures affecting the general public. According to the channel's announcement, the changes are not limited to initial registration only, but include "changes to many issues, ranging from IMEI registration processes to faulty devices." The channel notes that the new measures affect millions of users across the country.

The changes are seen as part of the Turkish government's ongoing effort to tighten oversight of the market for personally imported mobile devices and to prevent the bypassing of registration procedures and payment of relevant taxes.