Turkey Hikes Imported Phone IMEI Fee to $1,200 in 2026

Registration Fee for Imported Mobile Phones in Turkey to Rise to $1,200 in 2026

The registration fee for mobile phones imported into Turkey for personal use will increase to 54,240 Turkish liras (approximately $1,200) starting January 1, 2026.

According to Turkish media reports, the increase follows a presidential decree introducing higher taxes and fees on a range of goods and services from the beginning of the new year.

Details of the Fee Increase

The relevant tax rate, which applies to various vehicles and electronic devices, has risen by 18.95% compared to the 2025 rate of 45,614 liras (around $1,100). Under the new regulation:

• Each imported phone’s IMEI number must be registered in the state system.
• The updated fee is payable per device.
• Phone owners are required to complete IMEI registration within 120 days of the first SIM card activation in Turkey.

Failure to register within the deadline will result in the IMEI number being permanently blocked from use within the country.

Official Rationale and Scope

Authorities state that the measure aims to curb the "grey imports" of electronic devices. This term refers to products imported through unofficial, unauthorized channels, which bypass standard taxes and regulations.

Mobile phones officially sold in Turkey, including those manufactured domestically, are not subject to this registration tax.

This means the fee specifically targets phones purchased abroad and brought into Turkey for personal use, not those bought from licensed Turkish retailers.

Historical Context of IMEI Fee Hikes

Turkey’s IMEI registration fee has seen a dramatic and steady increase over the past decade, significantly accelerating in recent years:

• 2012: Approximately $55
• 2018: Increased to nearly $100
• 2023 (Mid-year): Sharply raised from around $200 to $700.
• 2026 (January 1): Scheduled to reach ~$1,200 (54,240 TRY).

The jump from $700 to $1,200 continues a aggressive policy trend, making it one of the most significant financial barriers globally for using a foreign-purchased phone.

Travelers and residents planning to bring mobile phones into Turkey for personal use must now factor in this substantial cost, which often exceeds the value of many mid-range devices.