IMEI and Device Verification in the Republic of Kazakhstan

What IMEI Is and What It Is Used For
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit identifier of any device that uses a SIM card. Government and operator systems use IMEI to verify the authenticity of a device, the legality of its import, the absence of blocks in the GSMA international database, and the consistency of the declared model with the manufacturer’s data. You can find the IMEI in the device settings, on the packaging, or by dialing *#06#.

As of March 2025, updated rules for the registration of subscriber devices are in force. Their purpose is to combat “grey” imports, protect consumers, and reduce the level of theft. The requirements apply to devices imported after 24–25 March 2025. Devices that were previously operating in the networks of the Republic of Kazakhstan and were recorded in the database have been transferred to the white list and continue functioning.

Scope of Application
The obligation to complete IMEI verification arises for:
– importers and sellers that officially import devices for sale;
– individuals who are connecting a device to the network of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the first time after personal import or receipt via an international parcel;
– authorised service centres when replacing a board/module that has a different IMEI.

IMEI Status Categories

White list. The device is recognised as legal, all checks have been passed, and communication services are available. Typically, this applies to devices purchased from an official retailer or lawfully brought in for personal use and duly confirmed.

Grey list. The device has been detected in the network, but there is no evidence of lawful import. Communication services are provided for up to 30 calendar days from the date of first connection. Within this period the user must complete verification via the portal kz-imei.kz or the eGov Mobile application. If no action is taken, the status is changed to black.

Black list. This status indicates a counterfeit or altered IMEI, a match with the GSMA international block list, or the expiry of the 30-day period in grey status without proper confirmation. Mobile operators block communication services; the device continues to function only via Wi-Fi.

Timeframe and Consequences
You are given 30 calendar days from the date of the device’s first connection to the networks of the Republic of Kazakhstan to confirm the legality of its import. If verification is not completed within the prescribed period, the device is moved to the black list and mobile communication services are blocked.

Checking IMEI and Status
You can check IMEI and its status using the following official resources:
– kz-imei.kz – “Check the device before purchase” service and a personal account for submitting applications;
– imei.rfs.gov.kz – the state database of identification codes;
– eGov Mobile – “Subscriber device IMEI check” service.

Documents Confirming Lawful Import
Documents are required to confirm the fact that a specific device has lawfully crossed the border. The list depends on the method of import.

Personal import (carried in hand luggage/checked baggage).
In the application, select “accompanied baggage”, specify the date and the exporting country, and attach a certificate confirming border crossings or a passenger customs declaration.

Receipt via international parcel.
Select “unaccompanied baggage (parcel)”, specify the delivery service and the exporting country, and attach a passenger customs declaration or the shipment tracking number.

Gift from abroad.
The application must be submitted by the person in whose name the import document is issued (certificate/declaration/tracking data). An application submitted by the recipient with different details (IIN) will be rejected.

Purchase from an official retailer in Kazakhstan.
The buyer does not need to attach documents: verification is carried out by the importer. Before purchasing, it is recommended to check IMEI status on kz-imei.kz or imei.rfs.gov.kz.

The following documents do not confirm lawful import: warranty cards, cash receipts, photos of the device and its packaging.

Application Procedure
The procedure is carried out online only – via kz-imei.kz or eGov Mobile. You will need an IIN/BIN, a digital signature, and a document confirming import (for individuals in the case of personal import or receipt via parcel).

In your personal account, select “Create application” – “Device verification”, then choose the type of application depending on the applicant’s status (individual, sole proprietor/legal entity, service centre). Provide information about the import and enter all IMEIs of the device (including eSIM slots). Sole proprietors and legal entities can upload data in bulk in CSV format. The processing status is displayed in the “My applications” section.

Important for Businesses
For legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, the service is fee-based; the indicative amount is 1 MCI (monthly calculation index) per device (for 2025 – 3,932 tenge). For individuals importing devices for personal use, verification is free of charge.

Common Mistakes
Applications are rejected, in particular, due to the following:
– typos and incorrect IMEI length;
– failure to indicate all IMEIs for multi-SIM devices;
– discrepancies between the applicant’s details and the data in the import document;
– attempts to verify a device without supporting documents;
– submission of inappropriate materials (receipt, warranty card, photos).

Before submitting an application, it is recommended to check the IMEI using *#06# and compare it with the marking on the packaging.