1.3 mln phones activated on day before new taxes applied

Speaking at a press conference, Shamroukh said that traders activated approximately 594,000 iPhones and 725,000 Samsung devices on 31 December 2024, one day before the system's implementation on 1 January 2025.  

On Wednesday, the government announced that new taxes on imported mobile phones will apply to devices imported into the country from 1 January 2025 onwards, a move designed to encourage local production and combat illicit trade. 

The measure does not affect existing mobile phones purchased domestically or abroad and activated before this date, as the tax system is not retroactive, read a joint statement by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Finance.

The new system aims to tighten governance and control over mobile devices, address illegal activities, and ensure compliance with national regulations.