Customs urges Hajj pilgrims to report new mobile phones for IMEI registration

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance urges Hajj pilgrims bringing new mobile phones purchased abroad to follow customs procedures by registering the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code. This step is necessary for the device to gain access to cellular networks in Indonesia. “In Indonesia, there are regulations for bringing mobile phones; the principle is that if not registered, it cannot access local networks,” said Head of Import Section III of DJBC Ministry of Finance, Chinde Marjuang Praja, during a virtual media briefing on Customs Services and Facilities for Hajj Pilgrims in Jakarta on Thursday. The first step for Hajj pilgrims is to notify customs officers about the devices upon arrival at the domestic arrival airport. Subsequently, officers will record the IMEI number and the pilgrim’s identity as the basis for further examination. In that stage, officers will also assess the value of the goods brought. For regular Hajj pilgrims, the government provides exemption facilities without a specific value limit for devices brought home. Meanwhile, for special Hajj pilgrims, import duty exemption is granted with a maximum customs value or Free on Board (FOB) of USD 2,500. This exemption value is calculated on a total basis. Thus, if special Hajj pilgrims also bring other items such as souvenirs, the overall value will be considered within the exemption limit provided. “For special Hajj pilgrims, there will be a value limit of USD 2,500. The limitation will be enforced by officers. When other items are brought, they will be added up. Because this USD 2,500 is a total exemption,” Chinde explained. After the process is completed, the device data will be forwarded to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system so that the device can be used on domestic telecommunications networks. If the administration cannot be completed at the service office at the arrival location, pilgrims can still continue the process at the nearest customs office, provided the goods have been reported upon arrival in Indonesia. This follow-up completion process is given within a maximum period of five working days.