Type Approval & Device Verification Guide

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Overview

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of its existing Type Approval requirements through technology-enabled device verification.

Businesses involved in importing, distributing, installing or selling SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria must ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements applicable to their activities.

There are three important requirements:

  1. Licensing: Businesses importing, selling or installing telecommunications equipment must hold the applicable NCC Sales & Installation (S&I) Licence.
  2. Type Approval: The device model must have obtained NCC Type Approval, confirming that it meets applicable technical standards.
  3. Device Verification: Each individual device, identified by its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), must have successfully completed the required verification process.

This guide explains how to comply, what responsibilities apply to different businesses, and where to obtain assistance.

Steps to Achieve Compliance

Step 1Get the Appropriate NCC Licence

If you import, sell or install mobile phones and other telecommunications equipment, you will need a licence from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

There are different types of licences depending on the nature and size of your business.

  • Small retailers and micro-importers: May qualify for the Sales and Installation of Terminal Equipment (Class Licence).
  • OEMs, Importers, Major Dealers and businesses dealing in different types of telecommunications equipment: Will require the Sales and Installation of Terminal and Other Equipment (S&I Major) Licence.
  • Businesses that already have an S&I Major Licence: Check that your licence is still valid.

A. For S&I Major Licence Applicants

  1. Visit the NCC eServices portal: https://eservices.ncc.gov.ng
  2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
  3. Apply for the licence through the Licensing Application Management System (LAMS).
  4. Complete the application and submit the required documents.

B. For S&I Class Licence Applicants

For the current onboarding exercise, applications should be sent directly to the dedicated NCC email address below. Do not apply through the eServices portal or LAMS for this licence at this stage.

Email: [email protected]

Use this email subject: S&I Class Licence Application and your Business Name

Attached documents: List the documents you have attached

Documents and information required:

  • CAC Certificate
  • CAC Status Report
  • Mobile phone number
  • Email address
  • Business address
  • Passport Photograph
  • Evidence of Payment of N10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira Only) payable through Remita https://remita.net

Step 2Confirm NCC Type Approval

Before importing, distributing or selling a device, ensure that its model has obtained NCC Type Approval.

Where Type Approval has not been obtained, the responsible manufacturer, importer, or applicant must complete the applicable Type Approval process.

NCC Type Approval information and application procedures:

The Type Approval application process is entirely online and is as follows:

  1. Create an account by accessing this link https://eservices.ncc.gov.ng/home-page/dashboard. You will be required to create an account and provide the following items:
    • Company RC/BN Number
    • Company Tax Identification Number
    • Email address
  2. Log in and select the application called “Type Approval Management V2” to begin your Type Approval application process.
  3. For videos and tutorials, please refer to this link for further guidance: https://sites.google.com/encentralsolutions.com/tamsyhelpcenter/documentation
  4. Video on how to apply and submit a Type Approval application on eServices: https://www.loom.com/share/4681514ab14b49139da2aabfa417b926

Step 3Register on the Industry Verification Portal

Businesses that need to submit devices for verification must register on the NCC industry verification portal.

https://verifymydevice.gov.ng

The portal supports the submission of individual devices and bulk uploads of device IMEIs.

Licensed retailers, importers, OEMs and other eligible businesses can submit device information through the portal.

Step 4Upload Device Information

Upload the IMEI(s) of the device through the portal.

Important: If a device has more than one IMEI (for example, a dual-SIM phone), all IMEIs assigned to the device must be uploaded.

Businesses handling multiple devices can use the bulk-upload facility.

The platform performs validation checks, including checks for previously submitted IMEIs.

  • Where an IMEI has already been successfully submitted and verified, no further submission is required.
  • Where an IMEI is rejected or flagged for another reason, follow the instructions provided by the portal.

Step 5Confirm Verification Status

Review the verification results before supplying or selling the devices.

Ensure that:

  • The device model is NCC Type Approved.
  • The individual device has been successfully verified.
  • Any outstanding compliance issues have been resolved.

Note: An unsuccessful verification does not necessarily mean the device is counterfeit.

Step 6Resolve Verification Issues

The portal provides guidance on resolving common submission problems.

For example, if an invalid IMEI is entered, you may correct the information and resubmit.

For issues that cannot be resolved through the portal, businesses should contact NCC through 315 for assistance.

Devices with unresolved compliance issues should not be supplied or sold until the issue has been resolved.

Special Requirements for Existing Stock

If you have devices that were already in your inventory before the commencement of the enhanced device verification arrangements, you must have them verified through the NCC Industry Verification Portal.

Follow these steps:

  1. Confirm your licence: Ensure you have the appropriate NCC Sales & Installation (S&I) Licence. Eligible S&I Minor applicants should use the dedicated email application process described in Step 1.
  2. Register on the verification portal: Visit https://verifymydevice.gov.ng and complete the required business onboarding.
  3. You may be requested to provide evidence of existing stock: Upload supporting documentation demonstrating that the devices were in your inventory before the relevant commencement date.

    Examples of acceptable documents include:

    • Purchase invoices
    • Inventory or stock records
    • Customs documentation
    • Other documents showing when the devices were acquired or held in stock
  4. Upload device IMEIs: Submit the device IMEI(s) through the portal, using the bulk-upload facility where appropriate. If a device has more than one IMEI (for example, a dual-SIM device), all IMEIs associated with the device must be uploaded.
  5. Review the verification results: Check the verification status of the devices and resolve any issues identified by the portal. Where a device has already been successfully verified, it does not need to be submitted again.

Note: An unsuccessful verification does not automatically mean that a device is counterfeit. Follow the instructions provided on the portal or contact NCC through 315 for assistance.

Responsibilities by Business Category

A. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

OEMs supplying SIM-enabled devices to the Nigerian market must ensure that:

  • Device models have NCC Type Approval.
  • Required device IMEIs are submitted for verification.
  • Where a device has more than one IMEI (for example, a dual-SIM device), all associated IMEIs are submitted for verification.
  • Devices supplied have successfully completed the verification process.
  • Importers and distributors receive the necessary compliance documentation.
  • Appropriate Type Approval and device-verification records are maintained.

OEMs undertaking importation, sales or installation activities must also hold the applicable NCC licence.

B. Importers

Businesses importing SIM-enabled communications devices into Nigeria must:

  • Hold the appropriate NCC S&I Licence.
  • Import only NCC Type Approved device models.
  • Submit or confirm submission of the required IMEIs through the industry verification portal.
  • Where a device has more than one IMEI, all associated IMEIs must be submitted.
  • Confirm successful device verification before distribution or sale.
  • Maintain appropriate importation and compliance records.

Importers holding stock acquired before commencement of the enhanced verification arrangements must also follow the existing-stock procedure.

Importers can submit and review device IMEIs through https://verifymydevice.gov.ng.

C. Distributors, Dealers and Sub-Dealers

Distributors and dealers must:

  • Hold the applicable NCC licence for their business activities.
  • Source devices from compliant suppliers.
  • Confirm that device models are NCC Type Approved.
  • Ensure individual devices have been successfully verified before onward distribution.
  • Resolve any outstanding compliance issues before supplying devices.

Where a distributor or dealer also imports devices directly, the requirements applicable to importers must be fulfilled.

D. Retailers and Vendors

Retailers selling SIM-enabled devices directly to consumers must:

  • Hold the applicable NCC S&I Licence.
  • Source devices from compliant suppliers.
  • Confirm Type Approval and device-verification status before sale.
  • Resolve any unsuccessful verification results with their suppliers or through the approved industry process.
  • Maintain appropriate supplier and inventory records.

Licensed retailers may also use the industry verification portal to upload existing stock or devices requiring verification. Retailers applying for S&I Minor should use the dedicated licensing email, not eServices/LAMS, before onboarding their stock.

E. Micro-Importers and Small Independent Sellers

Businesses importing or selling devices in small quantities must comply with the applicable requirements regardless of the quantity of devices handled.

They must:

  • Obtain the appropriate S&I Licence.
  • Confirm that device models are NCC Type Approved.
  • Submit device information for verification where required.
  • Where a device has more than one IMEI, all associated IMEIs must be submitted for verification.
  • Confirm successful verification before sale.
  • Resolve outstanding issues using the industry portal or approved support channel.

For S&I Class applications, follow the email instructions under Step 1 and send your application to [email protected].

For IMEI uploads, use https://verifymydevice.gov.ng.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain the IMEI of the devices in my stock?

Dial *#06# on the device to display its IMEI number(s). You may also find the IMEI on the device packaging or the manufacturer label.

Can a retailer upload device IMEIs directly?

Yes. Licensed retailers can register on the NCC industry verification portal and upload device information. Multiple IMEIs can be submitted using the bulk-upload feature.

What if the device has more than one SIM slot?

Devices with multiple slots usually have multiple IMEIs.

All IMEIs associated with the device should be provided during the verification process. For example, a dual-SIM device will typically have two IMEIs, both of which should be submitted.

What happens if an IMEI has already been submitted?

The portal checks whether an IMEI has previously been verified. If the device has already been verified, no further submission is required. If an error message appears, follow the instructions displayed on the portal.

Other duplicate-related errors should be resolved according to the portal's instructions.

What evidence is required for existing stock?

Businesses may be requested to provide supporting documents showing that the devices were already in your inventory before the applicable commencement date. Examples include:

  • Purchase invoices
  • Stock or inventory records
  • Customs documentation
  • Other acceptable business records
What should I do if the portal rejects an IMEI?

First, confirm that the IMEI was entered correctly and try again.

Some errors, such as an incorrectly entered IMEI, can be corrected and resubmitted directly through the portal.

If the issue persists, follow the instructions displayed on the portal or contact NCC through 315 for further assistance.

Do retailers need to obtain Type Approval for every individual device?

No. Type Approval applies to the device model, not each individual device.

Type Approval is usually obtained by the manufacturer (OEM) or the importer responsible for introducing the device model into the Nigerian market.

Once a device model has received Type Approval, individual devices of that model may then be subject to the required IMEI verification process.

How can I check whether a device model has NCC Type Approval?

You can verify the Type Approval status of a device through the NCC List of Approved Handsets and Other Equipment before importing, supplying, or selling the device. The links are listed below:

Does a smaller retailer need an NCC licence?

Yes. Businesses selling telecommunications equipment must hold the appropriate Sales & Installation Licence. Smaller retailers and micro-importers may be considered for Sales and Installation of Terminal Equipment (Class Licence), subject to NCC confirmation. For now, apply by emailing [email protected] using the subject line and document checklist in Step 1. Do not apply through eServices/LAMS for the S&I Class licence at this stage.

Can I apply for an S&I Class licence using eServices?

No. S&I Class applications are being received by email at [email protected]. Use the standard subject line and application template in Step 1 and attach the required documents once the approved checklist is published. NCC eServices/LAMS remain the application route for S&I Major.

Industry Support and Assistance

Businesses requiring assistance should use the relevant NCC channels.

NeedContact
S&I Major Licensing Applicationshttps://eservices.ncc.gov.ng
S&I Class Licensing Applications[email protected] (email application; see Step 1)
S&I Class Required DocumentsCAC Certificate, CAC Status Report, Email, Phone Number, Passport Photograph, Business Address
Device Verification, Bulk Uploads and Existing-Stock Onboardinghttps://verifymydevice.gov.ng
Unresolved Verification IssuesContact NCC on 315
Type Approval Applications[email protected]
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