Govt to launch NEIR on 16 December, 3-month grace period granted to grey-market traders
During this grace period, no mobile handset sold by grey-market traders will be blocked.
The interim government will officially launch the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system on 16 December to curb the use of illegal mobile phones in the country.
However, traders involved in the grey market will receive a three-month grace period to adjust to the new system.
The decision came today (10 December) during a meeting between officials of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association of Bangladesh (MIOB), and the Bangladesh Mobile Business Community held at the ministry.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to meeting sources, during this grace period, no mobile handset sold by grey-market traders will be blocked. The government will take steps within this time to ease LC procedures for traders, reduce duties, and create legal avenues for regularising imported devices.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Mobile Business Community President Mohammad Aslam said, "Traders will suspend their ongoing movement following the government's decision."
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is expected to formally announce the decision tomorrow, following an agreement between traders and mobile phone manufacturers.
