How to get an IMEI Number

Introduction to the IMEI Number

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique identifier that distinguishes mobile devices. It is stored within the mobile device and can be used to monitor stolen or invalid mobile devices.

Composition of an IMEI Number

1. The composition of an IMEI is structured as follows. It can be easily retrieved on a mobile terminal device by dialing "*#06#". The total length is 15 digits, and each digit only uses numbers from 0 to 9.

2. The first 6 digits (TAC, Type Approval Code) represent the model's assembly code, which is uniformly issued by four global standard allocation centers: CTIA, BABT, TAF, and MASI.

3. The next 2 digits (FAC, Final Assembly Code) represent the assembly factory's number.

4. The subsequent 6 digits (SNR, Serial Number) serve as the product serial number, used to distinguish each individual mobile device sharing the same TAC and FAC.

5. The final 1 digit (SP, Spare) is the spare or check digit.

Application and Allocation of IMEI Numbers

The IMEI code is uniformly allocated by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association), which authorizes the BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications) to review and approve applications.

IMEI Number Application Process

Step 1: Register the manufacturer's company information with the GSMA. The required documents include:

• (1) Company name and address

• (2) Contact person and contact methods

• (3) Company business license

• (4) Trademark registration certificate

• (5) Letter of authorization (must bear the applying company's official seal)

Step 2: Submit the application for the TAC code. The required documents include:

• (1) Technical parameters of the product, including the operating system, network standards, frequency, number of SIM cards, product type, etc.

• (2) Brand name and model name of the product

Latest Information from GSMA

Starting from September 14, 2009, the GSMA began managing the allocation of IMEI numbers by charging a fee. TAF strongly opposed the GSMA's decision to charge for mobile terminal TAC applications and actively collaborated with relevant mobile phone manufacturers and international organizations to negotiate this matter with the GSMA. In light of this, TAF temporarily suspended acting as an agent to issue TAC numbers on behalf of the GSMA.

According to Article 8, TAC/IMEI Usage Rules, in the 8th edition of the "IMEI Allocation and Approval Process" (TS.06 IMEI Allocation and Approval Process Version 8.0) released by the GSMA on June 9, 2015, "Each ME Model must have its own TAC." Based on these requirements, the domestic TAC issuance rules were adjusted as follows:

1. Starting from June 22, 2015, a single TAC can only correspond to one product model name.

2. For TACs issued between May 1 and June 21, 2015, if they correspond to multiple product models and remain unused, it is permitted to edit and modify their network standard and frequency band information. However, no changes can be made to other information, such as the product model.

3. For TACs issued prior to May 1, 2015, if they correspond to multiple product models, no changes to any information are allowed.

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