Bad news for those who bring phones from abroad: A huge increase in IMEI registration fee is on the way

After the revaluation rate for 2027 is determined as 27.83 percent, the IMEI registration fee for mobile phones brought from abroad will also increase. The registration fee, which is 54 thousand 258 TL this year, will increase to 69 thousand 358 TL in 2027. MOBİSAD President Mustafa Kemal Turnacı stated that the increase will eliminate the price advantage of buying phones from abroad.

Following the October Domestic Producer Price Index (D-PPI) data announced on November 3, the revaluation rate to be applied in 2027 was determined as 27.83 percent.

With this rate, taxes, fees and penalties will increase in the new year. The IMEI registration fee paid for mobile phones brought by passengers from abroad to be used in Türkiye will also increase by 27.83 percent.

The IMEI registration fee, which is 54 thousand 258 TL this year, will increase by 15 thousand 100 TL to 69 thousand 358 TL in 2027.

Mustafa Kemal Turnacı, President of Mobile Communication Tools and Information Technologies Business People Association (MOBİSAD), evaluated the increase in IMEI registration fee and the effects of economic conditions on the mobile phone industry.

Stating that they support the 27.83 percent increase in the revaluation rate, Turnacı said:

Tens of thousands of people work in this sector. We prefer this increase due to the positive impact of domestic market dynamics, mobile market and domestic shopping on tax revenues.

Stating that the IMEI registration fee is expected to increase to 69 thousand 358 TL in 2027, Turnacı said, "There will be no price advantage in buying a phone from abroad. This advantage has decreased significantly in 2026."

Turnacı stated that the increase in the US Dollar exchange rate, global risks and supply-related problems increased mobile phone prices.

Noting that new price increases may come to the agenda in the coming months under the current conditions, Turnacı suggested that citizens meet their telephone needs before the new increases.

Making evaluations about the impact of the developments in the economy and the fund investigation on the mobile phone market, Turnacı said that there was a recession in the sector and economic conditions also affected the mobile phone market.

Stating that 11-12 million mobile phones are sold annually in Türkiye, Turnacı stated that despite the stagnation in the market, a level close to this sales volume can be reached in 2026.