Returning from Hajj with a New Phone? Customs Explains How to Register IMEI for Free
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - 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) code for Hajj pilgrims bringing new mobile phones from the Holy Land.
IMEI registration is mandatory so that the device can be used on Indonesia’s cellular networks.
Head of Import Section III of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance, Cindhe Marjuang Praja, explained that it is not uncommon for pilgrims to buy handphones while performing the Hajj pilgrimage. This is especially the case when old devices are lost, damaged, or needed for communication during the pilgrimage.
“Perhaps the Hajj pilgrims did not intend to buy a handphone, for example. But sometimes there are conditions where the phone is lost or damaged, even though communication is very important, so in the end, the Hajj pilgrims buy a handphone,” said Cindhe during a media briefing on Thursday (16/4/2026).
He explained that devices brought from abroad must first go through customs procedures before they can connect to local networks in Indonesia.
The first step that Hajj pilgrims must take is to report the device to customs officers upon arrival at the airport.
After that, the officers will record the device’s IMEI number and the pilgrim’s identity. This data is then forwarded to the relevant system so that the device can be activated on the national cellular network.
“The pilgrims must first notify, this is a tip so that they can get the exemption later. So, notify the customs officers at the arrival airport, then the IMEI number and the Hajj pilgrim’s ID will be recorded to obtain the exemption,” said Cindhe.
For regular Hajj pilgrims, personal belongings including handphones receive full exemption as long as they are still within reasonable limits as personal items.
Meanwhile, for special Hajj pilgrims, exemption is given with a maximum limit of US$2,500. If the total value of the goods exceeds this limit, the excess will be subject to levies in accordance with the provisions.
The duty tariff imposed is a flat 10%, plus Value Added Tax (VAT) and Income Tax (PPh) are excluded.
“It will be selected based on the value of the goods, whether it is below US$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 value limit of US$2,500,” he said.