Turkey Imposes New Restrictions on Imported Phones and Increases IMEI Registration Fees Starting 2026

SadaNews - Turkish authorities announced a new package of decisions aimed at regulating the use of mobile phones imported from abroad, which includes time restrictions on their use within the country, along with a significant increase in registration fees, effective from 2026.

Under the new rules, users bringing their phones from outside Turkey will be allowed to use them for no more than four months during a single calendar year, spanning from January 1 to December 31, 2026, unless the phone is officially registered.

If the phone supports dual SIM cards or contains one SIM alongside e-SIM technology, the user will be able to extend the usage period to eight months, by using the physical SIM for four months, and then continuing to use it during the following four months with the second SIM or e-SIM.

In a related context, the competent authorities announced that the registration fee for the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) will increase starting in 2026 to 57,241 Turkish lira, marking the largest increase compared to previous years.

These measures are part of the Turkish government's efforts to tighten control over phones coming from abroad and to limit their use within the country without official registration, contributing to the regulation of the mobile phone market and combating fee evasion.