NEIR rollout to safeguard consumers and legitimate mobile industry: MIOB

The implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), which the government has announced will be rolled out on December 16, will protect consumers and legitimate businesses, not harass them, said mobile phone industry players.

The Mobile Phone Industry Owners' Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) made the remarks at a press briefing held at a city hotel today, saying that NEIR will finally bring order to a market long plagued by the dominance of illegal or "gray" handsets, which account for nearly 60 percent of all phones in use.

MIOB said the launch of NEIR by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will prevent illegally imported or unregistered phones from being used in the country.

This, they noted, will safeguard investments of over Tk 2,500 crore made by 17 local and foreign handset manufacturers and secure employment for more than 1 lakh people across the industry.

The association stressed that the initiative will ensure billions of taka in government revenue while restoring healthy competition in the market.

They also dismissed attempts by "unscrupulous business groups" or so-called "luggage parties" to spread fear and confusion about the new system.

"These groups have built a parallel business of stolen, counterfeit, and refurbished handsets that evade taxes and cheat customers," MIOB said, adding that BTRC has taken steps to make NEIR user-friendly and ensure that no consumer faces harassment.

The association further noted that VAT and tax exemptions given to domestic producers are standard industrial incentives seen in developing economies to encourage local manufacturing.

However, they urged the government to consider a more balanced tax structure to sustain both importers and local manufacturers.

Locally produced handsets remain more affordable despite rising dollar and component prices, the association said, crediting manufacturers' efficiency and cost-control measures.

In contrast, gray phones appear cheaper only because they evade taxes and lack warranty, software support, and safety assurances.

MIOB emphasised that NEIR will empower consumers by enabling them to verify a phone's legality, receive proper warranty and after-sales support, and enjoy enhanced data security.

"Doing business legally is not just a legal duty—it's a moral responsibility," the association said, calling on all stakeholders to reject rumor-mongering and support NEIR for the sake of fair competition and national interest.

Jakaria Shahid, president of MIOB, Rezwanul Haque , vice-president, MIOB, Syfuddinn Tipu, executive director, Excel Telecom, Mohammad Zahirul Islam, managing director, Smart Hi-tech Industries Ltd, Imam Uddin, representative, Vivo, Rahul Kapuria, organising secretary, Bangladesh Mobile Phone Distributor Association, were present at the event.