Subsequently, the authorities has issued a rule requiring all smartphones to be stamped with a unique 15-digit international mobile equipment identity registered to a government database by April next year.
Further helping to execute it better, the authorities has set up a website that allow people to check whether their device has a registered IMEI or not. Lax border control is allowing illegal – and cheaper – smartphones to continue to flood the country's black market, undermining the manufacturers' investment, thus the move to only use locally made components.
"I thank the three ministries that have worked together to integrate their rules. All of us are looking to ensure the government does not lose any revenue from cellphone sales," Antara said quoting the minister.