---
title: "Ministry of Digital Development Prepares Mandatory IMEI Registration for Uncustomed Smartphones: Phones Bought Abroad Will Be Disconnected from Networks"
description: "The Ministry of Digital Development is preparing mandatory IMEI registration for smartphones imported into Russia without customs: owners will need to register the device on Gosuslugi within two weeks, or the phone will be disconnected from networks. Experts predict up to 70% of \"gray\" importers will leave and prices will rise by up to 40%."
date: 2026-10-31T17:56:12.648Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/mandatory-imei-registration-smartphones-russia
tags: [imei-registration, smartphones, russia, gosuslugi, import-control, mincifry, gray-import]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ministry of Digital Development Prepares Mandatory IMEI Registration for Uncustomed Smartphones: Phones Bought Abroad Will Be Disconnected from Networks

![A person in a balaclava sits indoors checking their smartphone under yellow lighting](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/31/registraciya-imei-smartfonov-gosuslugi-mincifry/registraciya-imei-smartfonov-gosuslugi-mincifry-1.webp)

## Key Points

- The Ministry of Digital Development is preparing mandatory IMEI registration for smartphones imported without customs clearance via Gosuslugi
- The registration period is two weeks; after that, the device will stop being serviced on communication networks
- Devices that operated in Russian networks before April 2027 are exempt from registration
- Experts predict up to 70% of 'gray' importers will leave and smartphone prices will rise by up to 40%

The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation has announced the preparation of a regulatory mechanism that will oblige owners of smartphones imported into the country without proper customs clearance to register their devices on the Gosuslugi (State Services) portal. According to RBC, citing well-informed sources, the initiative aims to control the so-called "gray" import of mobile phones through the IMEI database—a unique 15-digit number assigned to each device during production. A representative of the Ministry of Digital Development confirmed that if registration is refused after a established two-week period, the devices will no longer be serviced on telecom operator networks.

### How Registration Will Work and Who Is Covered by the Requirement

According to the outlined scheme, the obligation to register the device on Gosuslugi within two weeks will apply to two categories of users: those who independently purchased a smartphone abroad and imported it into Russia, and owners of counterfeit devices. At the same time, devices that have undergone official customs clearance enter the IMEI database automatically, so legal importers and buyers of their products are not affected by the new rules. A separate exception is provided for devices that were already operating in Russian communication networks before April 2027: they will not require registration.

### Project Status and Possible Adjustments

A representative of the Ministry of Digital Development clarified that the draft regulatory act at the time of publication is still being discussed in the government and may undergo adjustments. This means that specific deadlines, the list of exceptions, and technical details of the registration procedure may change before the final approval of the document. Nevertheless, the fact that the initiative is being prepared by the agency has been confirmed, and the logic of control through the IMEI database has already been elaborated.

### Expert Assessments: Impact on the Market and Prices

Analysts, commenting on the initiative, predict significant consequences for the Russian mobile device market. According to their estimates, up to 70% of "gray" import participants may leave the market, as the business model based on importing devices without customs clearance will become impossible. At the same time, experts warn of a possible price increase for a number of smartphone models by up to 40%, driven by the redistribution of product flows in favor of legal supply channels and rising customs clearance costs.

### Context: Expanding Digital Control Over Devices

The IMEI registration initiative fits into a broader trend of tightening state control over digital devices in Russia. Previously, according to several media outlets, data collection on smart home gadgets was also discussed, including their installation addresses and the numbers of linked SIM cards. The combination of such measures points to the formation of a comprehensive accounting system for electronic devices used by citizens, affecting both consumer rights and issues of digital security and tax control.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Россиян обяжут регистрировать купленные за границей смартфоны на «Госуслугах» — иначе отключат связь window-new](https://3dnews.ru/1150619/rossiyan-obyagut-registrirovat-kuplennie-za-granitsey-smartfoni-na-gosuslugah-inache-otklyuchat-svyaz) - Primary source: Ministry of Digital Development announcement, quote from a department representative, RBC data from knowledgeable sources, expert estimates (70% gray importers, +40% to prices). All key facts of the article rely on this source.
- [В России обяжут регистрировать гаджеты для умного дома](https://www.gazeta.ru/tech/news/2026/10/05/29455693.shtml) - Used exclusively as context for the paragraph on expanding digital control over devices. Does not affect the key facts of the main article.

## FAQ

### Who will be affected by the mandatory IMEI registration?

The requirement will apply to those who bought a smartphone abroad and independently imported it into Russia, as well as owners of counterfeit devices. Buyers of devices that have undergone official customs clearance do not fall under the new rules—their IMEIs are already automatically entered into the database.

### What happens if you don't register your smartphone on time?

According to a representative of the Ministry of Digital Development, after the two-week period expires, the device will not be serviced on telecom operators' networks, meaning it will effectively lose the ability to make and receive calls and use mobile internet.

### Do I need to register a phone that is already working on Russian networks?

No. For devices that operated in Russian networks before April 2027, registration is not required.

### What stage is the project at?

The draft regulatory act is still being discussed in the government and may undergo adjustments. Specific deadlines and technical details may change before final approval.

### What market consequences do experts predict?

According to analysts' estimates, up to 70% of 'gray' import participants may leave the market, and prices for a number of smartphone models may rise by up to 40%.