The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) plans to issue rules on the sale of used mobile phones, tablets and other gadgets in the Philippines.
The regulator said the proposed rules are meant to stop the unauthorized sale of stolen or illegally acquired phones and the trade in tampered or defective units. The NTC described the move as part of its mandate to regulate telecommunications equipment and to “protect the interest of the Filipino consumer.”
The draft memorandum circular covers the importation, dealership, accreditation, labeling and sale of refurbished and used phones, tablets and similar devices.
The NTC held a public hearing on the proposal on September 23. Public telecommunications entities, prospective applicants and other stakeholders attended. The commission said it has also received written comments. Initial comments dealt with the protection of intellectual property and other rights reserved by manufacturers.
Under the proposal presented at the hearing, refurbished phones, tablets and similar devices could be imported and sold if they are NTC type-approved and untampered. Each unit would have to be boxed and identified under the brand of the person or entity authorized by the NTC. Each would also come with a one-year repair or replacement warranty.
Only properly documented and legitimately sourced devices that are type-approved would qualify for importation. Authorized Refurbished Mobile Phone Dealers would have to label and grade every unit and attach a clear warranty before the NTC allows it to be sold to the public.
Entities without a license that import, sell or trade used or refurbished phones, tablets and similar devices would face administrative sanctions from the NTC.
The public may send comments, recommendations and suggested revisions until October 1, 2026. Submissions go by email to [email protected], with a copy to [email protected].
The report did not say when the circular would take effect.
