THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is eyeing to issue rules and regulations governing the sale of used mobile phones, tablets, and other gadgets.
The NTC said the proposed regulation is being considered “to stop the unauthorized sale of illegally acquired or stolen mobile phones and the unscrupulous trade of tampered and defective mobile phones in the market.”
The proposed circular covers the regulations on importation, dealership, accreditation, labeling, and sale of refurbished and used mobile phones, tablets, and other devices or equipment.
The NTC said it conducted a public hearing on the proposed memorandum circular last September 23.
“The public hearing presented the proposal to allow the importation and sale of NTC-type approved and untampered refurbished mobile phones, tablets and similar devices which shall be boxed and identified under the brand of the authorized person or entity granted by the NTC and sold with a one year repair or replacement warranty,” the telecommunications industry regulator said.
The hearing was attended by public telecommunications entities (PTEs), prospective applicants, and other stakeholders.
Moreover, written comments have been received by the NTC, “with initial comments touching on protection of intellectual property and other reserved rights by manufacturers.”
‘Unlicensed entities’
The NTC said that, under the proposal, only properly documented and legitimately sourced mobile phones and devices that are type-approved shall be allowed to be imported by the NTC.
“All units shall be properly labeled, graded and clearly warranted by the authorized Refurbished Mobile Phone Dealer before being allowed by the NTC to be sold to the public,” it said.
“All unlicensed entities that are found importing, selling or trading in used or refurbished mobile phones, tablets and other similar devices shall be administratively sanctioned by the NTC,” it added.
The NTC said public shall be allowed to submit their comments, recommendation and suggested revisions until 01 October 2026 via email to commissioner@ntc.gov.ph with copy furnished to legal@ntc.gov.ph,” the NTC said.
The telecommunications regulator said its initiative forms part of its mandate to regulate telecommunication equipment in a transparent, responsible, and accountable manner to protect the interest of the Filipino consumer. (GMA News)
