Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has uncovered schemes involving the illegal import of mobile devices using IMEI codes assigned to expensive smartphones.
In one case, documents for more than 10,600 Tecno devices listed identifiers belonging to iPhone and Samsung phones, Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee said at a press conference.
According to the agency, some importers list IMEI codes assigned to more expensive smartphone models in documents accompanying cheaper devices or phone circuit boards.
Another scheme involves altering the identifiers of devices that have already been imported. By reflashing the software, importers install IMEI codes belonging to other phones on expensive devices that have not been registered.
As a result, the identifier displayed in a device’s settings may differ from the code detected when it is checked using a special USSD request.
To prevent such violations, the Customs Committee is tightening controls on mobile device imports.
According to the agency, 47,900 illegally imported mobile devices were detained in 2025, 4.4 times more than in 2024.
In addition, during the first ten months of 2026, customs authorities processed 150,900 mobile devices brought in by individuals above the established duty-free value allowance. Customs payments of 189 billion soums were collected on these devices.
Given that checking IMEI identifiers requires specialised knowledge and expertise, customs officers at Tashkent International Airport have introduced a system of permanent cooperation with representatives of the UzIMEI centre.
If customs officers suspect that IMEI codes have been altered, they will be able to refer the devices to the centre’s specialists for the necessary checks.
The Customs Committee expects this procedure to ensure that such cases are handled consistently and in accordance with the law, while helping prevent violations.
Following the clarification of procedures for processing mobile devices, customs operations at the capital’s airport resumed under the established procedure on 11 November.
