How to Register IMEI for Hajj Pilgrims Bringing Home Mobile Phones from Abroad

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance has explained the mechanism for registering the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) for Hajj pilgrims. This regulation applies to pilgrims bringing new mobile phones from abroad. Head of Import Section III DJBC, Cindhe Marjuang Praja, stated that mobile phone purchases often occur during the Hajj pilgrimage. Communication needs are the primary reason. “Perhaps the Hajj pilgrims do not intentionally buy handphones, for example. But sometimes there are conditions, whether the phone is lost or damaged, even though communication is indeed very important, so in the end, the Hajj pilgrims buy a handphone,” Cindhe said during a virtual media briefing on Customs Services and Facilities for Hajj Pilgrims, Thursday (16/4/2026). Hajj pilgrims bringing new mobile phones must report to customs officers upon arrival at the airport. The officers will record the device’s IMEI number and the owner’s identity. “The pilgrims must first inform, this is a tip so that they can get exemptions later. So, inform the customs officers at the arrival airport, then the IMEI number and the Hajj pilgrim’s ID will be recorded to obtain the exemption,” Cindhe explained. The IMEI data is then forwarded to the relevant system. This process allows the device to be activated on the national cellular network. The government also regulates fiscal facilities for Hajj pilgrims. Regular Hajj pilgrims receive full exemptions for personal belongings, including mobile phones, as long as they remain within reasonable limits. Items exceeding that limit will be subject to levies. “It will be selected based on the value of the goods, whether it is below USD 2,500 or more. As mentioned earlier, for regular Hajj pilgrims, there is no value limit, but for special Hajj pilgrims, there will be a USD 2,500 value limit,” she said. The levies consist of a flat 10% import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT). Income Tax (PPh) is not imposed. Through this mechanism, the government aims to ensure that devices from abroad can be used legally in Indonesia.