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Each gadget imported into Russia will be obliged to register in a special database.
The Federation Council approved a law that establishes the basics of the IMEI database of mobile devices in Russia. The norm has entered the second package of measures to counter cyber fraud.
IMEI is a unique 15-digit number by which you can identify a mobile device. When imported into Russia, each gadget will receive such a number.
The law provides for the creation of a database with IMEI numbers of all devices. The register will indicate which mobile devices are allowed to use and which are prohibited.
Information in the database will be made by telecom operators and state bodies. The list of such bodies will be established by the Government. Mobile operators will be obliged to specify in the database for which SIM card the device with a specific IMEI number is attached.
The idea of a single IMEI base is not discussed for the first time. In 2022, the FSB proposed to create a base for factory IMEI codes of phones to combat crime. In December 2025, the Ministry of Finance returned to the topic and announced plans to create an IMEI base in 2026. Later, a model was discussed in which only registered devices will be allowed to work in networks, and the SIM card will be tied to a specific identifier.
In 2026, the topic was transferred to the anti-fraud-mere package. The Ministry proposed to introduce responsibility for the absence of IMEI in the contract with a foreign subscriber, and then the authorities abandoned the idea of taking money for registering smartphones and other devices. At the same time, the IMEI database continued to be discussed as part of the measures against telephone fraud.
The Federation Council approved a law that establishes the basics of the IMEI database of mobile devices in Russia. The norm has entered the second package of measures to counter cyber fraud.
IMEI is a unique 15-digit number by which you can identify a mobile device. When imported into Russia, each gadget will receive such a number.
The law provides for the creation of a database with IMEI numbers of all devices. The register will indicate which mobile devices are allowed to use and which are prohibited.
Information in the database will be made by telecom operators and state bodies. The list of such bodies will be established by the Government. Mobile operators will be obliged to specify in the database for which SIM card the device with a specific IMEI number is attached.
The idea of a single IMEI base is not discussed for the first time. In 2022, the FSB proposed to create a base for factory IMEI codes of phones to combat crime. In December 2025, the Ministry of Finance returned to the topic and announced plans to create an IMEI base in 2026. Later, a model was discussed in which only registered devices will be allowed to work in networks, and the SIM card will be tied to a specific identifier.
In 2026, the topic was transferred to the anti-fraud-mere package. The Ministry proposed to introduce responsibility for the absence of IMEI in the contract with a foreign subscriber, and then the authorities abandoned the idea of taking money for registering smartphones and other devices. At the same time, the IMEI database continued to be discussed as part of the measures against telephone fraud.
