MDMS is a software system developed to control and regulate mobile devices. The full form of MDMS is a mobile device management system. This system tracks electronic mobile devices operating in any region, geography, or country and maintains complete information about that mobile. Similarly, This system helps to control criminal activities especially from mobile devices, to control the gray market of mobiles, to search for lost mobiles.
In Nepal too, the issue of MDMS implementation has been debated for a long time. Finally, MDMS has been implemented in Nepal since May 15, 2023 (2080 Jestha 1). Along with this, there has been a crackdown on illegally imported mobile devices in Nepal. At the same time, it has become easier to find mobile devices registered in MDMS if they are lost. And, it has become easy to track various activities from mobile phones. MDMS policy covers smartphones, feature phones, bar phones, tablets and other devices. The mobile network will work only after the IMEI number of the mobile phone is registered in MDMS. In this blog, we will discuss all aspects of the MDMS (Mobile Device Management System) in Nepal, the IMEI ( International Mobile Equipment Identity) registration process in Nepal, Policies, & Rules of it.
Latest Update Regarding MDMS in Nepal
Nepal Telecom Authority is taking effective steps regarding MDMS. Under the same step, the authority will not allow any kind of network to run on mobiles that are not registered in MDMS from 19th October 2080 (November 05, 2023).
In the first phase, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority will not provide network to high range mobiles that are not registered in MDMS. Similarly, this sequence will be applied to all types of mobile phones. Until some time ago, the authority had given time to register new and old mobile phones in MDMS. If your mobile is not registered with MDMM, the mobile network can be blocked at any time.
MDMS in Nepal
We have already given information above that MDMS is a device management software, which regulates, controls and tracks mobile devices. Nepal Telecom Authority is the regulator of MDMS. The debate about MDMS in Nepal has been going on since 2018 AD. Then, The Nepal Telecommunication Authority took about 3 years to develop this system. Along with the growth of the mobile phone market in Nepal, the number of grey mobile phones also started to increase. The main objective of MDMS is to control the mobile phones illegally used by insiders and bring them under the tax regime.
MDMS system has been implemented since May 15, 2023 (2080 Jestha 1) to manage the use and import of mobile sets in Nepal. Mobile sets brought from abroad for personal purposes and passed the inspection at the customs office are automatically registered in the MDMS system. According to Nepal Government's "Private Use Goods Order 2077", mobile sets brought from abroad for personal purposes can be registered by the concerned person by entering the following documents into the system.
- Passport/Citizenship
- Page of passport or boarding pass showing Departure Stamp and Arrival Stamp
When purchasing a mobile phone within Nepal, the mobile set must be purchased separately if it is registered in the MDMS system of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority. In addition, before importing mobile phones, mobile importers and sellers must take the prior approval of the authority and sell and distribute only mobile phones that are registered with the authority. The IMEI number of the mobile set must be registered in the system. If the IMEI number is not registered with MDMS, the mobile network will not work. Nepal Telecom Authority tracks the mobile based on the IMEI number of the mobile.
MDMS implemented in Nepal
Recently, the business of grey mobiles was increasing in Nepal. Gray means a mobile phone brought to the government without paying any tax. As a result, The government was not able to collect tax on the mobile phones brought as gifts to family and relatives by Nepalese who went abroad. And, the mobile phones brought illegally from the open border. If we look at the data for 2079, Nepal imports mobile phones worth 50 billion annually. Out of which mobile phones worth around 35 billion are imported without paying tax to the government. Or say they enter illegally. So, MDMS has been implemented in Nepal to control this activity.
After the implementation of this system, Nepali will be allowed to bring only a limited number of mobile phones from abroad for personal use. If you want to bring more mobile phones, you can bring them by paying VAT and customs as prescribed by law. Only after that, you can register the IMEI in MDMS.
The plan of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority was to implement MDMS in Nepal in Jestha 2079. However, it could not be implemented at that time. Later, it was planned to be implemented on Bhadra 30, 2079. Even on this date, MDMS was not implemented in Nepal due to various reasons. Again, the date of implementation of MDMS has been moved. And, on 1st Paush 2079, Nepal Telecommunication Authority implemented MDMS.
According to the implemented MDMS system, there was a provision that Nepalese who went abroad for work and study could only bring their own mobile phones. There was a provision to pay customs and VAT if more mobiles were brought.
This system was widely opposed. Especially those who sent remittances after working abroad opposed it. Expatriate Nepalese did not understand that even if they bring a mobile phone for their family from abroad, they have to pay taxes to the country. And they launched the No Remit campaign. Finally, MDMS was stopped under the direct instructions of Prime Minister Prachanda.
After that, by changing some provisions of the MDMS system, Nepal Telecommunication Authority again implemented MDMS in Nepal from 15 May 2023 (1 Jestha 2080).
What is the MDMS provision implemented in Nepal?
MDMS has been implemented in Nepal since May 15, 2023. Following are some important information about this.
- For Nepalese who are going to work abroad: Nepali who have worked continuously for 6 months in any country with a labor permit from the Foreign Employment Department will be allowed to bring up to two mobile phones with them. No tax has to be paid for these mobiles. However, if you bring more than two mobile phones, you will have to pay tax. Only after that, the IMEI number of the mobile is registered in MDMS.
- For Nepalese who are going abroad for any other purpose: Nepali who have gone abroad for purposes other than foreign employment can bring only one mobile phone with them. If you bring more mobile phones, you will have to pay the prescribed tax to the government. After paying the prescribed tax to the customs office, the IMAI number can be registered in MDMS.
- For foreigners visiting Nepal: Foreigners who have come to Nepal, have to register mobile phones in MDMS. Foreigners have to register their mobile phones in MDMS by the date of the visa. If the stay is extended by adding a visa later, the date of IMEI registration in MDMS can also be extended.
- For Nepali: If a Nepali buys a mobile phone in Nepal, she/he has to check whether the mobile phone is registered in MDMS or not. If the IMEI of that mobile is not registered in MDMS, then that mobile is an illegally imported mobile. The network does not work on it.
MDMS mobile phone registration cost
The government of Nepal has already determined the amount of tax to be paid when a person brings more mobile phones from abroad. The following are the details of taxes imposed on different mobiles:
Types of Mobile | Tax Rs. |
---|---|
iPhone & More than Rs. 1 lakh Budget Mobile | Rs. 10000 per Mobile |
Others Smart Phone | Rs. 3000 per Mobile |
Keypad Phone | Rs. 200 per Mobile |
How can I check my MDMS registration?
IMEI number refers to the International Mobile Equipment Identity number. This number is in almost all mobile phones. Many mobile phones have two IMEI numbers. But some have one. And, it may not be a mobile phone. To check the IMEI number of mobile in Nepal, you have to dial *#60# on the dial pad. And, it can also be viewed from the mobile settings.
To check whether the IMEI number of your mobile phone is registered in MDMS, you can go to the website of Nepal Telecommunications Authority and dial the 15-digit IMEI number of your mobile phone. If there is a green tick it means that it is registered and if there is a red cross it means that it is not registered.
MDMS Registration in Nepal: How to register a mobile IMEI number
Mobile phones brought from abroad for personal use must be registered in the MDMS system under the existing legal framework of Nepal (OGL facility of the Government of Nepal).
Nepali citizens who have entered Nepal from abroad can register their mobile phones using the following steps:
- Go to the MDMS website and create an account using your email address.
- Verify your email address by entering the OTP that will be sent to you.
- Fill out the personal information section, including your mobile number in Nepal, your passport address, and the date and country of your arrival in Nepal.
- Select whether you will be the primary user of the mobile phone or if someone else will be using it. If someone else will be using the phone, you will need to provide their information as well.
- Upload clear scan copies of your passport, immigration stamp, or boarding pass.
Submit the application. - The application will be reviewed by the authority and you will be notified of the decision via email.
Note: If the information you provide does not match or if the scan copies are unclear, your application will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are lots of queries regarding MDMS in Nepal & IMEI number registration process. Some of these are as follows.
Q: What is MDMS in Nepal?
A: MDMS refers to the Mobile Device Management System. MDMS is the software developed to regulate and control the mobile phones imported illegally into Nepal and bring them under the tax scope. |
Q: How many mobile phones can Nepalese bring from abroad for personal use without paying tax?
A: Nepali who have gone abroad for employment can bring at most two phones and Nepali who have gone abroad for other purposes can bring only one mobile phone for personal use without paying tax to the government. |
Q: How much tax is charged on mobile phones brought from abroad for personal use in Nepal?
A: A tax of Rs 10,000 has been fixed for iPhones brought from abroad for personal use or mobiles worth more than one lakh. Other smartphones will have to pay Rs 3000 tax and Keypad mobiles will have to pay Rs 200 tax. |
Q: Do foreigners visiting Nepal also have to register their mobile phones in MDMS?
A: Yes! Foreigners also have to register their mobile phones in Nepal's MDMS system for a certain period. |
Q: Can we register Mobile IMEI in MDMS by ourselves?
A: Yes! You can register your mobile IMEI number in MDMS by yourself via using the online platform (NTA Website). According to NTA, you can register your phone by using the NTA website. You Should follow the process and submit the required documents. Similarly, you should pay certain charges via your online wallet. |