Smartphone sales rules to be radically changed in Kazakhstan

The new norms are provided for under the law on the development of the telecommunications market and data centers, No. 320-VIII.

What will change for smartphone buyers

After the amendments enter into force, a phone that has not passed verification will be considered a product of improper quality.

This means that the buyer will be able to contact the seller and, at their own choice, demand that the seller:

• reduce the price of the smartphone;
• eliminate the defect free of charge;
• reimburse the costs of eliminating it;
• replace the device with a similar model;
• replace it with a phone of another brand with a price recalculation;
• terminate the contract and return the money.

These claims must be submitted specifically to the seller from whom the smartphone was purchased.

Previously, buyers could face a situation where a phone appeared to be in working order, but after connecting to a Kazakhstani network, it turned out that its IMEI code had not passed verification. The owner was given a limited time to confirm the legality of the import, after which the device could be disconnected from mobile communication services. Now, the absence of verification will be directly recognized as a defect in the sold product.

IMEI must be shown before purchase

Sellers will have an additional obligation: before selling a smartphone, they must provide the buyer with its identification code so that the buyer can independently check the device’s status.

In addition, the seller must check the IMEI in advance against the state database and make sure that the smartphone:

• is not blocked;
• has no restrictions;
• has passed mandatory verification.

The sale of phones that have not passed such verification will be prohibited.

The requirement applies not only to regular stores but also to e-commerce. Marketplaces must include in their agreements with sellers an obligation to check smartphones before they are sold.

The IMEI itself will also have to be indicated in the purchase document: a paper or electronic receipt, invoice, technical passport or another document confirming the sale.

Separately, the law limits the verification of devices for personal use: an individual will be able to verify no more than two mobile phones imported into Kazakhstan within one calendar year. At the same time, registration, verification and re-registration of devices will be free of charge for individuals.

What smartphone verification is

An IMEI is a unique identification code of a mobile device. It usually consists of 15 digits. The code makes it possible to identify a phone on the network and check information about its manufacturer, model and origin.

Verification includes two main checks:

• checking the device against the international database of the GSM Association, or GSMA;
• checking information on the legality of the device’s production, repair or import into Kazakhstan through state customs and tax systems.

Thus, the state checks not only the existence and authenticity of the IMEI, but also whether the phone was imported into the country legally.

White, gray and black phones: what is the difference

New rules for registering subscriber devices came into effect in Kazakhstan in spring 2025. Phones began to be divided into three lists.

The white list includes devices that have successfully passed verification. They can operate in Kazakhstan’s mobile networks without restrictions.

The gray list includes devices for which the system lacks data or requires additional verification. Such a phone is temporarily allowed to operate on the network. The owner is given up to 30 days to confirm the legality of the import or eliminate inconsistencies.

The black list includes devices with a fake, altered or incorrect IMEI, phones without a factory identification number, as well as devices included in the international GSMA blacklist. Access to mobile communication services for such devices is restricted.

How to check a smartphone before purchase

The IMEI can be found by dialing *#06# on the phone. The code is also indicated:

• in the device settings;
• on the box;
• in the warranty card;
• sometimes on the body of the device or under the battery.

If a smartphone supports two SIM cards or eSIM, it may have several IMEI codes. Each of them should be checked.

The device status is available through eGov Mobile, the gov.kz portal and the imei.rfs.gov.kz service, which is overseen by the State Radio Frequency Service. The system shows whether the code is registered and whether the device is allowed to be used in Kazakhstan.

Before payment, buyers are advised to compare the IMEI in the phone settings, on the packaging and in the seller’s documents. A mismatch between the codes may indicate that the case has been replaced, the identifier has been changed or there are other problems with the device’s origin.

When the new requirements will come into effect

Most of the norms will enter into force after 60 calendar days.

Accordingly, the rules banning the sale of unverified phones, requiring sellers to show the IMEI and giving buyers the right to return such devices should come into effect on August 20, 2026.

Some provisions of the law related to the more technological and infrastructure-related part, in particular the operation of the centralized device database, will enter into force later, on July 1, 2027.

Before buying a smartphone, consumers are advised to:

• ask the seller for all IMEI codes of the device;
• check them through the official service;
• compare the codes on the phone and the box;
• keep the receipt, information about the seller and correspondence with them;
• avoid buying the device if the seller refuses to provide the IMEI before payment.

Why a private company handled verification

After the launch of the new system in 2025, device verification services were provided by ATS Mediafon KZ LLP.

Businesses were charged one monthly calculation index for checking one device, amounting to 3,932 tenge in 2025. The Ministry of Digital Development stressed that this amount was not a tax or state fee: the money was received by a private company for a commercial technical service. For individuals verifying their own phones, the service was free.

The scheme raised questions among deputies. In the Mazhilis, it was stated that the company was effectively performing a function mandatory for the market and receiving payment for each registered device. Deputy Bolatbek Nazhmetdinuly asked officials to explain how the provider was selected, on what basis the service fee was set and why a private entity was handling IMEI and personal data.

The government later said that ATS Mediafon KZ had been selected through a competitive process, and that the agreement with the company was signed in April 2025. At the same time, officials claimed that the market remained open and other providers could also connect to the system if they met the established requirements.

Verification to be transferred to the state

Amid criticism, the mechanism was changed. The function is being transferred to the State Radio Frequency Service. Thus, mandatory smartphone checks will be carried out by a state organization instead of a private commercial provider.

The state system is expected to compare IMEI codes with data from the GSMA, customs authorities, tax systems and border crossing records.