Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian authorities have ended the exceptional customs exemption previously granted to mobile phones brought into the country by passengers, prompting consumers to verify whether newly purchased devices particularly iPhones, are subject to taxes or customs duties.
The Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) announced that the exemption period has concluded following the successful availability of locally manufactured mobile phones that meet market demand. The move is part of a broader effort to regulate the entry of mobile devices, combat smuggling, and clarify the rules governing customs fees and activation procedures.
As a result, many consumers planning to buy smartphones inside Egypt are now seeking confirmation that their devices are legally registered and free of unpaid customs charges.
How to Check Whether an iPhone Is Subject to Customs Fees
To help consumers determine a phone’s customs status before purchase, the NTRA has launched an official application called Telephony, which serves as the sole authorized reference for checking whether a device is subject to customs duties.
The application allows users to verify a phone’s registration status using its unique IMEI number and to view any applicable fees if the device has not been cleared through customs.
Steps to Check Customs Fees on Your iPhone
Users must first download the Telephony application, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices through official app stores.
After installing the application, the next step is to obtain the phone’s IMEI number. For iPhone users, this can be done by navigating to Settings, then General, and selecting About, where the IMEI number appears among the device details. Scrolling down may be required to view all identifiers.
Android users can retrieve the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the phone keypad, which will display the number instantly. Alternatively, the IMEI can be found through the Settings menu by selecting About Phone, then Status, where the IMEI or MEID is listed.
Once the IMEI number is copied, users can paste it into the Telephony application. The system will immediately indicate whether the phone is subject to customs fees or exempt. If fees apply, the application will also display the exact amount due.
Why This Check Has Become Necessary
Since 2025, Egypt has implemented a comprehensive governance system to regulate the mobile phone market and curb smuggling. Under this system, stricter controls have been imposed on device activation based on IMEI registration, meaning phones that are not properly registered may face service suspension until fees are paid.
This has made pre-purchase verification essential, particularly for high-value devices such as iPhones, which are more likely to be imported from abroad.
How to Pay the Fees
If a device is found to be subject to customs charges, payments can be made directly through the Telephony application. Additional digital payment options are also available through banks and electronic wallets. Authorities have indicated that installment payment options will be introduced in the near future to ease the financial burden on consumers.
Officials have urged buyers to check the status of any phone before completing a purchase, emphasizing that verification through the official application is the safest way to avoid unexpected costs or service disruptions.
