Buying Or Selling SIM Cards? Know These Mandatory Rules Coming Into Effect Starting December 1

SIM card vendors who remain unregistered by November 30 will face fines of up to Rs 10 lakh, with the additional possibility of imprisonment.

In an era where mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, staying abreast of the latest developments in SIM card regulations is crucial. Originally slated for implementation on October 1, 2023, the government has now rescheduled the enforcement of new SIM card rules to commence on December 1, 2023. This information is pertinent for both prospective SIM card buyers and sellers.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is spearheading these amendments to counteract the escalating incidents of scams and fraud associated with counterfeit SIM cards. With a nationwide rollout scheduled for December 1, these regulations are devised to address the severity of scams linked to fake SIM cards, with penalties for non-compliance encompassing fines and imprisonment. Below, we delve into the specifics of the SIM card-related regulations in India.

Key highlights of the new SIM card rules starting December 1

SIM Dealer Verification: Individuals engaged in the sale of SIM cards must undergo a comprehensive verification process. Additionally, they are required to register the SIM cards at the time of sale. The onus of police verification lies with the telecom operators. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in fines amounting to Rs 10 lakh.

Demographic Data Collection: Customers purchasing SIM cards for their existing numbers must submit their Aadhaar and demographic data.

Bulk SIM Card Issuance: The updated rules impose limits on the number of SIM cards issued. While individuals can acquire SIM cards in bulk through a business connection, regular users are restricted to obtaining up to nine SIM cards using a single ID.

SIM Card Deactivation Rule: With the cessation of bulk issuance, SIM cards that are deactivated cannot be reassigned to another individual until a 90-day period has elapsed.

Penalties: SIM card vendors who remain unregistered by November 30 will face fines of up to Rs 10 lakh, with the additional possibility of imprisonment.

As the December 1 deadline approaches, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including consumers and sellers, to familiarise themselves with these updated regulations to ensure compliance and contribute to the collective effort against fraudulent SIM card activities.