Approval for Mobile Phones / Devices

Approval must be obtained from Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) to import/ bring any kind of mobile phones/ devices which are connected to the Cellular Networks inserting a SIM.

Mobile Phones/ Devices for Personal use

1. Only up to five (5) units can be imported/ brought for the personal use.
2. The application should be forwarded to the TRCSL in writing with the following documents for consideration.
   1. Dully filled Application Form
   2. Invoice/ Detention Receipt/ Air way Bill /Parcel Receipt which clearly indicate the name of the person and the list of equipment intend to import/clear.
   3. Technical Specification of the equipment in ( ii) above
   4. Copy of the National ID/ Passport/Driving License
   5. If someone else need to get the approval on behalf of the person in (ii) above, the Authorization letter and the copies of the National ID/ Passportof both persons required.
3. The application will be processed by TRCSL
4. Tax invoice would be prepared and rendered to the applicant by TRCSL if charges are applicable for the equipment intend to import/clear and should be paid to get the approval
5. The following two letters will be issued to the applicant allowing the importation of equipment mentioned in Item 2 (ii) above
   1. A no objection letter addressed to the Controller /Imports & Exports
   2. A no objection letter addressed to the Director General of Customs

Bulk Import of Mobile Phones/ Devices

1. Must have a valid Vendors License issued by TRCSL
2. Only the Type Approved Mobile Phones/ Devices are allowed to import under this category. Details for obtaining the Type Approval
3. The request should be forwarded to the TRCSL in writing with the following documents for consideration
   1. A request letter indicating the details of equipment intend to import
   2. Pro-forma Invoice (original + 3 copies, original will be returned on verification)
   3. Type Approval number & date or any other document issued by TRCSL relating to type approval (if applicable)
   4. Copy of the valid Vendors license
4. The application would be forwarded to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for security clearance (if applicable)
5. Tax invoice would be prepared and rendered to the applicant by TRCSL (if charges are applicable)
6. TRCSL will issue a no objection letter to the applicant addressed,to the Controller/Imports & Exports allowing the importation of equipment mentioned in Items 3(i) & 3(ii)
7. TRCSL will issue a no objection letter to the applicant, addressed to the Director General of Customs on submission of following documents.
   1. Copy of authorization letter given by Controller(Import License)
   2. Commercial invoice (original +3 copies, original will be returned on verification or a copy of commercial invoice duly certified by the Bank confirming that the remittance/payment  has been made by TT of LC.)
   3. Copy of the letter issued by TRCSL addressed to Controller/Imports & Exports (Item 6 above)
   4. Copy of the Proforma Invoice (Item 3(ii) above)
   5. IMEI Numbers of mobile phones/ devices should be  Emailed to    trives@trc.gov.lk in the format Annex 1
   6. Proof of the settlement of the Invoice stated in Item 05 above  in full (if applicable)
8. In case of mobile phones/ devices importation, TRCSL will issue a Reference Number which would be pasted on the box of  the mobile phone/ device, in a form of a sticker for Customer’s Reference (Sample Sticker)

Requirements to apply for Type Approval Mobile Phones

Information on Mobile Phones

Fifteen digits International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique number given to every single phone typically found inside when remove the battery. It can also be displayed on the screen of the phone by entering *#06# in to the keypad on mobile phone.
Type Allocation Code (TAC) is the first eight digits of the IMEI number which is uniquely indicate the MARKETING NAME and the MANUFACTURER of the particular device.
The IMEI number of a mobile phone can be verified by sending a SMS to 1909 in the following format.

            IMEI (space) 15 digit IMEI number

All vendors of mobile phones must have a valid Vendors License issued by TRCSL and must be displayed the License in their outlets.
The Type Approved Mobile phones/Devicesare available in the TRCSL website www.trc.gov.lk
For further details please contact:

Mr. S.B. Bulathgama
Assistant Director (Spectrum Management / IT)
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka
No. 276, Elvitigala Mawatha
Colombo 08

Extension   : +94 112689345 (Ext: 4105)
E-mail         : bulathgama@trc.gov.lk