Myanmar launches CEIR system to curb illegal phones and online scam
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Htet Nadi (NP News) - March 7
The CEIR and EIR System Project Steering Committee announced that the Central Equipment Identity Registration (CEIR) system will be implemented from the first week of March 2026, marking a significant change in Myanmar's mobile communications sector.
This system, based on the IMEI number, is intended to eradicate the problems of illegal smuggling of phones, online fraud, and phone theft.
The good news for existing users is that they can automatically be added to the Whitelist without having to pay any additional taxes.
However, users must have an MPT, ATOM, Ooredoo or Mytel SIM card inserted in their phone and connected to the network by March 31, 2026.
According to IT experts, Myanmar is doing the same as countries around the world in preventing illegal imports and phone theft by registering the IMEI number of mobile phones in the CEIR system.
In particular, Turkey, Uzbekistan, India, and the United Kingdom have seen significant results, including a substantial reduction in phone theft, a 98 percent reduction in illegal gray imports, and a significant increase in national tax revenues.
Therefore, experts also note that implementing this system in Myanmar will help eradicate phone theft, robbery, and the use of illegal phones by online fraud gangs, and people will be able to confidently purchase and use only standard and tax-paid phones.
"The unique feature of the CEIR system is that the IMEI number of each phone is registered in a central system, so if the phone is lost or stolen, that IMEI can be blacklisted and blocked. So, no matter which SIM card is inserted, the phone will no longer be able to connect to the network and will become useless. This system will not only prevent phone theft, but also eliminate fake IMEI and clone phones from the market, which will greatly contribute to the socio-economic security of the people," explained a technology expert.
Starting from April 1, mobile phones not on the approved list will be temporarily allowed to be used for 30 days from the time they are first connected to mobile communication networks, and will only be permitted to continue using them after paying the applicable taxes and fines during this period. –