A meeting was held between the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh and the BTRC today

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has assured mobile handset traders of streamlined processes for handset imports and vendor enlistment, following a meeting with representatives of the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh (MBCB) today.

According to a BTRC press release, the discussion was held at the commission's office, where both sides reviewed the existing procedures for mobile phone import approvals and vendor enlistment certificates.

This development comes amid ongoing protests by unofficial mobile handset traders against the planned enforcement of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), which is set to block unauthorised devices from December 16 this year.

The protesting traders have demanded a delay in implementing NEIR, a reduction in taxes, and simplification of the import process.

The meeting focused on simplifying documentation requirements while preventing the entry of clone, copy, used, and refurbished devices into the local market.

The commission said it will provide vendor enlistment certificates within a shorter timeframe and with fewer documents than before.

In an effort to curb the inflow of unauthorised devices, BTRC stated that import approval will be granted not only on the basis of certification from the original manufacturer but also upon submission of an attestation from any authorised distributor, even in the absence of a formal contract.

This measure aims to support legitimate traders who often face delays due to stringent documentation requirements, the release added.

During the meeting, BTRC called on the MBCB to submit a clear written proposal detailing ways to further simplify the import process while ensuring that clone, copy, used, and refurbished handsets do not enter the country.

Responding to a request from the trader community, BTRC agreed to facilitate the regularisation of all unsold mobile handsets currently in the country's market.

Traders have been asked to submit relevant information in the prescribed format by December 15 this year, after which the commission will take necessary steps.

The BTRC reaffirmed that all legally imported mobile phones will receive full cooperation from the regulator, in line with the "Guidelines for the Use, Marketing and Listing of Wireless Equipment 2024."

After the meeting with BTRC officials, MBCB leaders said they were informed that representatives of several government ministries would sit for a discussion tomorrow.

The leaders urged handset sellers to remain calm until the outcome of that meeting is known.

Earlier, both the BTRC and the telecom ministry had written to the government recommending that import duties on mobile handsets be reduced by nearly half.