New Cameroon Device Registration Rules Target Smuggled Phones
The Cameroon mobile device registration policy officially entered enforcement on May 25, 2026, after the government ordered telecom operators to block unregistered digital devices from accessing local mobile networks.
The government directed telecom companies MTN, Orange, and Camtel to disconnect phones and other digital terminals that were not properly cleared through the country’s customs system.
The order was issued by Cameroon Customs Director General Fongod Edwin Nuvaga in a letter sent to telecom operators on April 1, 2026.
Under the new system, mobile devices must complete customs registration before they can connect to telecom networks inside Cameroon.
How Cameroon’s Device Verification System Works
The Cameroon mobile device registration process uses a centralized digital platform linked to import records, device identifiers, and telecom network activation systems.
Every phone or digital device must be verified through its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number before gaining network access.
According to the government, only three categories of devices can connect to local networks:
- Devices that completed customs clearance
- Phones operating under roaming arrangements
- Devices covered by a government tax amnesty programme
Authorities say the policy aims to reduce smuggling, improve customs revenue collection, and stop tax evasion linked to illegally imported smartphones and electronics.
The measure also enforces provisions introduced under a 2023 law that created the electronic customs clearance system through the Cameroon Customs Information System.
Telecom Operators Face Liability for Uncleared Devices
The government warned telecom operators that they could become financially responsible for unpaid customs duties if they allow unregistered devices to access their networks.
Officials say the policy places pressure on telecom providers to monitor the entire device activation process more closely.
According to Cameroun24, the government introduced the policy after discovering that a large number of imported devices entered the country without proper customs processing.
Cameroon’s Finance Minister Louis-Paul Motazé reportedly disclosed that nearly 700,000 phones connected to local networks between April 1 and April 25, 2026, without customs clearance.
That figure raised concerns among government officials over lost tax revenue and the growing volume of irregularly imported smartphones entering the country.
Why the New Policy Matters
The Cameroon mobile device registration policy reflects a broader trend across Africa where governments are tightening controls over imported digital devices, telecom infrastructure, and electronic tax systems.
As smartphone adoption continues to grow across the continent, authorities are increasingly looking for ways to improve customs compliance and strengthen digital tracking systems.
However, the move could also create concerns among consumers and informal phone traders, especially if legitimate users experience network disruptions due to registration issues.
Industry analysts say the success of the system will depend on how efficiently customs authorities, telecom operators, and importers manage device verification and public awareness.
