Senator’s request on IMEI code issues sent to Minister Shermatov

Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Budget and Economic Reforms, Qobul Tursunov, has submitted a formal request to the Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov, regarding ongoing issues with IMEI code registration. The Senate press service reported the development.

It was noted that Uzbekistan introduced the practice of registering mobile devices via IMEI codes in 2019. As of 2024, the procedure requires a mandatory customs declaration when importing devices into the country. If this declaration is not completed, users must pay a fee amounting to 30 percent of the device’s customs value to register it in the UZIMEI system.

Recently, this process has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users expressing frustration over technical limitations when using official platforms such as uzimei.uz, my.gov.uz, and the “BIRDA” mobile application. In some cases, service providers reportedly inflate fees due to limited access and functionality.

Furthermore, the separate registration requirement for the IMEI2 code (used for dual SIM devices) — which must be completed only at the original registration location — imposes additional difficulties and financial burdens on citizens.

In light of these concerns, and in accordance with Article 15 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Parliamentary Oversight,” the Minister is requested to submit a detailed response within 10 days. The response should address measures being taken to resolve technical issues on the aforementioned platforms, facilitate the registration of IMEI2 codes, and simplify the current bureaucratic procedures within the UZIMEI system.