Armenia to launch crackdown on mobile phone black market

Armenia is set to introduce a nationwide IMEI code registration and monitoring system aimed at regulating the mobile phone market and curbing the circulation of illegally imported devices, with Prime Minister Pashinyan announcing the “end of the black market era” for mobile phones.

The Cabinet approved a bill on amendments and additions to the Law on Electronic Communications, envisaging a unified IMEI code registration and monitoring system, under which only legally imported or properly registered mobile phones will be activated on mobile networks.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting that the mobile phone market in Armenia is one of the largest shadow markets and that systemic and civilized solutions are needed to address it.

“The era of the black market for mobile phones is coming to an end. No phone whose legal import is not confirmed will be allowed to operate in the territory of the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan said.

According to the Prime Minister, the main target of the regulation is the business sector and the market. At the same time, separate rules will be established for individuals to ensure that no issues arise when importing phones for personal use.

“There is no need for any tension for individuals. There will be regulations on how often a person can import a phone for personal use—once a year or once every two years,” the Prime Minister noted.

Pashinyan said the draft will also be discussed with industry representatives and parliamentary partners, and hearings will be held, but the decision will not be delayed.

“The decision must enter into force on January 1, 2027, and it must work,” he stressed.

According to the government, the lack of IMEI code control in Armenia contributes to the circulation of undeclared, counterfeit, or altered IMEI mobile phones. This leads to tax losses, disruption of market competition, as well as increased technical and security risks.

The proposed regulation envisages the creation of a unified state IMEI system and its interoperability with databases of customs authorities, telecom operators, and other government bodies. The system will allow cross-checking of customs data, operator activations, and international registries, permitting activation only of legally imported or properly registered devices.

The draft also provides individuals with the opportunity to register the IMEI code of their new mobile phones online.

In addition, importing and selling mobile phones as a business activity will only be allowed upon notification of the authorized body. According to the government, this activity has so far been carried out without clear regulations and restrictions.

The government believes that the introduction of the system will help reduce the shadow economy, improve tax administration, regulate the mobile device market, protect consumers, and prevent phone theft and fraud.