What is an IMEI Number 
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is unique 15 digit identification number of the Mobile Handset.
It is like the registration number of your vehicle.
One can check the IMEI no of the Mobile Handset by pressing *#06#
IMEI numbers are being allotted by four bodies authorized by GSMA.
From IMEI number one can identify the make and model of the handset.
No two mobile handsets in the world should have the same IMEI number.
IMEI number is an important tool for the handset tracking.
IMEI Allocation
On-Line IMEI Application Form
Applications for IMEI allocations are made on-line. You must register your organisation before you can apply for an IMEI allocation. Following registration, you will be allocated a manufacturer's Organisation Code; this code must be remembered for use in subsequent IMEI applications.
Equipment Type Approval
Please note that IMEI allocation is not equipment approval. An IMEI allocation does not mean that the equipment has been approved. IMEI ranges are allocated on request; evidence of compliance is not required for an IMEI allocation.
However, the equipment must meet the regulatory requirements of the intended markets and countries of use.
Links for Applications
Click here to Check your IMEI Number
For amendments to previously allocated TACs, please e-mail support@msai.in
IMEI Number Structure
| TAC - Type Allocation Code | Serial Number | Check Digit | |
| NN | XXXXXX | ZZZZZZ | A |
| Reporting Body Identifier, eg MSAI | Type Identifier defined by MSAI | Number range allocated by MSAI but assigned to individual mobile stations by the manufacturer. | Defined as a function of all other digits (calculated by the manufacturer). |
Roles and Responsibilities
GSM Association
The GSM Association (GSMA) has accepted the role of the Global Decimal Administrator (GDA) as recommended by the Joint Experts Meeting on IMEI / MEID, to allocate International Mobile Equipment Identity Numbers (IMEI) to manufacturers for use in GSM , UMTS and multi-mode mobile stations (MS) including these technologies. The ownership and management of the IMEI structure is understood to be invested in the GSM and UMTS industry as a whole and not the province of any one sector. The GSMA has appointed MSAI as their agent to carry out IMEI allocations. The allocation procedure is funded by the GSM Association at no charge to manufacturers.
Operators and Regulators can have access to IMEI allocation information via the GSMA IMEI Database and by Summary report (if requested) under a Non Disclosure Agreement. No other bodies apart from companies jointly approved by the GSMA and EICTA-CCIG will be able to have access to this information.
GSM Manufacturers
Manufacturers must register with the GSM Association before applying for an IMEI allocation. The on-line registration form requests detailed information be provided about the manufacturer. An IMEI allocation will not be provided unless all mandatory fields (*) in the on-line form are completed to support the application.
Only Manufacturers or their authorized representative, covered under the following definition, are eligible to obtain IMEI block allocations. A letter of authorization for such representatives should be provided to MSAI prior to the application.
Manufacturer: A manufacturer is defined as the legal entity that is responsible for designing and/or manufacturing a mobile terminal complying with the standards of GSM or IMT2000 with a view to placing it on the market on his own behalf. The manufacturer has an obligation to ensure that the product intended to be placed on the market is designed and manufactured, and its conformity assessed, to comply with the provisions of the applicable regulations. The manufacturer must retain the overall control of the production of the device and maintain the necessary level of competence to take the responsibility for placing the product on the market regardless of the extent to which aspects of the manufacturing process have been undertaken by third parties.
MSAI
MSAI will access the application and allocate the organisation with a manufacturer's Organisation Code. This code must be remembered for use in subsequent IMEI applications.
MSAI reserves the right to refuse applications where there is a doubt as to the validity of the applicant. A refused application may be re-submitted with additional evidence of validity.
IMEI Database
Every GSM, and UMTS MS or Multi-Mode MS containing these technologies, is required to have a unique identity, known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity Number (IMEI). MSAI allocates the IMEI and maintains the IMEI Database records on behalf of the GSM Association.
The IMEI uniquely identifies an individual mobile station and thereby provides a means for controlling access to GSM networks based on mobile station types or individual units. This database is used to populate the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) which is used by GSM network operators.
Applications for IMEI Blocks
You must register your organsiation before you can apply for an IMEI allocation. Following registration, you will be allocated a manufacturer's Organisation Code; this code must be remembered for use in subsequent IMEI applications. A manufacturer seeking an allocation of a block of IMEI should submit a completed copy of the on-line forms at
Amendments
For amendments to previously allocated TACs, please e-mail support@msai.in
Brandname and Cosmetic Variation
Brand Name and Cosmetic variants of terminal apparatus manufactured by the same production facility may share a common IMEI block whereby the manufacturer maintains full quality control of the IMEI integrity.
IMEI Implementation
The ETSI GSM specifications require that every MS has a unique IMEI. The IMEI is used for security purposes as part of anti-theft measures and as a means of identifying individual or types of mobile stations, which may cause technical problems with the mobile network.
The manufacturer must factory set the IMEI number in the permanent memory of the MS and it must be tamper resistant. In practice, this means that the IMEI should not be capable of being changed outside the place of manufacture. When applying for IMEI allocation the IMEI implementation in a mobile station shall comply with state of the art standards, e.g. 3GPP TS 22.016 and its equivalents.
The MS may be marked externally with the IMEI. However, the manufacturer must ensure that it is the same as the IMEI stored within the equipment and that no duplication of an IMEI is possible.
To apply for a Test IMEI allocation send an e-mail to support@msai.in providing your company name, address, contact name and telephone number.
