Egypt has introduced a new initiative to tackle mobile phone smuggling and support its growing local phone manufacturing sector. The country’s Finance Ministry, alongside the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, has rolled out an electronic system designed to track imported phones and protect consumers from counterfeit and illegally imported devices.
A central feature of this new system is an app called “Telephony” (My Phone), which aims to simplify the process of registering mobile phones brought into Egypt. The app is designed to ensure that taxes and customs duties on imported phones are paid properly, promoting fair competition, especially as major international brands begin manufacturing phones locally. All of these measures are aimed at curbing mobile phone smuggling.
Here’s how it works: Travelers entering Egypt from abroad are allowed to bring one mobile phone for personal use every three months without incurring any fees, provided they register the phone through the “Telephony” app. The app also facilitates electronic payments for any applicable fees, thus addressing mobile phone smuggling.
Launched on January 1, 2025, the system will not affect phones that were already activated before this date. This initiative is a significant step toward tackling smuggling of mobile phones, a problem that has cost the government substantial revenue in taxes and duties. By requiring proper registration and taxation of imported phones, the government hopes to create a fairer environment for local manufacturers and international brands producing devices in Egypt.
The move is also expected to strengthen local manufacturing, generate jobs, and support the growth of Egypt’s tech industry. At the same time, it aims to protect consumers from counterfeit and low-quality products, which often come without proper warranties. By addressing these issues, the government hopes to create a more transparent and competitive mobile phone market while supporting the domestic industry and laying the foundation for future economic growth and technological advancement, combating mobile phone smuggling in the process.
