Customs warns beware of fraudulent unlock services, official registration can be done for free
The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance warned the public to be careful of the offer of registration services or Unlock unofficial IMEI. Such practices are often used by irresponsible people to deceive users of electronic devices purchased from abroad.
Only valid for devices from abroad
According to the Head of the Sub-Directorate of Public Relations and Counseling of Customs, Budi Prasetiyo, the IMEI registration process only applies to devices Mobile, handheld computer, and tablet (HKT) purchased from abroad—either as passenger luggage and shipments from abroad.
“Avoid service fraud mode Unlock IMEI, register the IMEI in a legitimate way. IMEI registration through customs only applies to HKT carried by passengers or sent from abroad,” Budi said in an official statement in Jakarta, Monday (4/14/2025).
How to register an official and free IMEI
Budi explained that the IMEI registration process can be carried out officially through Electronic Custom Declaration Form (BC 2.2) or E-CD, namely the Customs Form for passengers or transportation crew who bring personal goods from abroad.
If passengers have not had time to register on arrival, they can still fill out the IMEI registration form and continue at the nearest Customs Service Office. Complete information is available through the official customs website: https://www.beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html.
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There is no fee for IMEI registration
Even though the IMEI registration is free of charge, passengers are still required to pay Import Duty and Import Tax for the devices they carry. Budi confirmed that the cost not related to the IMEI registration process, but is the state’s obligation to import goods.
“The IMEI registration is free. The costs that arise only include state levies related to import duties, VAT, and Article 22 PPh when importing.
What is IMEI?
IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique code that every mobile device has. Each unit has only one IMEI number, so no two devices have the same IMEI number.
This code is used to identify the device and guarantee that the gadget is an official item that enters the Indonesian market legally. The existence of IMEI is also one of the government’s ways to protect consumers from illegal devices or contraband.
