TAC Approval & IMEI Certification
Our experts provide end-to-end TAC Registration and IMEI support as part of our services
Type Allocation Code (TAC)
TAC plays a vital role within the industry. It is the first step in IMEI creation, and together, these unique equipment identifiers enable goods to be transported around the world while allowing governments to collect the correct taxes and help tackle counterfeit devices.
They also help operators identify and serve appropriately the devices on their networks. The brand owner is the TAC holder, and the manufacturer is named as OEM on the TAC application form. The brand responsible for sales must apply for TAC.
About TAC (Type Allocation Code)
Key facts and requirements for TAC allocation and usage
Network Connection
Where a device connects to a cellular network, either a 3GPP or a 3GPP2 defined network, it needs a TAC
Device Identification
TAC identifies the device model, marketing name, brand owner and OEM
IMEI Structure
TAC is the first 8 digits of an IMEI number
Capacity Limit
One million devices or units (100,000 serial numbers) per TAC. After one million units, a new TAC is allocated
Model Specific
A TAC is allocated to a specific device model and brand owner. Only one device model may be allocated to a TAC
GSMA Authorization
Manufacturers are only allowed to use a GSMA-allocated TAC
📱What is an IMEI?
GSMA appointed reporting bodies issue TAC codes. The HQ location of the brand owner determines which reporting body manages an application.
Reporting Body Identifiers:
- • TUV SUD (35) - For all countries except China
- • TAF (86) - For China only
🔧IoT Modems in Equipment
Who applies for TAC when IoT modems are installed in other equipment?
When modems are installed in other machines, the original modem producer applies for TAC. TAC identifies the device model, so one TAC is allocated per model, and each device must have a unique IMEI per SIM slot. The TAC allocated to the modem is used by increasing the serial number for each unit produced.
When Do You Need a New TAC?
Requires New TAC
The following variations to a specification require a new TAC:
- • Brand owner changes
- • External manufacturer changes
- • Model Name changes
- • Components: Casing, Motherboard, Chipset, Number of cameras
- • Connectivity: Transceiver capabilities, Frequency bands
- • Operating system changes (e.g., Android to Tizen)
Does NOT Require New TAC
The following variations do not require a new TAC:
- • Different versions of same OS (e.g. Android 7, Android 8)
- • User interface differences
- • Marketing Name changes
- • Device configurations - subset of transceiver frequency bands
- • Same model produced in different locations
- • Minor variations: Camera pixels, Device color, Memory size
TAC Capacity & Production Rules
Unused TAC Capacity
- • Spare capacity in one TAC cannot be transferred to another device model
- • When one network connection is present, only one IMEI is required (1 TAC / 1 IMEI)
- • Single transceivers or single connection devices require one IMEI
- • Example: 4 SIMs with 1 transceiver require only 1 IMEI
- • Each parallel connection requires a unique IMEI
- • Different separate transceivers require unique TACs (2 TAC / 2 IMEI)
- • Integrated 3GPP and 3GPP2 devices require only one IMEI
- • Once implemented, the IMEI cannot be changed by menu function
Multiple Production Facilities and TAC
Same Owner, Multiple Factories: The same model, produced by the brand owner in multiple factories that they own, will require only one TAC.
Different Outsourced Manufacturers: The same model, produced by 2 different outsourced manufacturers, will require 2 different TACs. Each outsourced OEM must be named on the TAC application form.
Sale of Brands: After the brand seller confirms the new owner, GSMA allocates TAC to the new owner.
GSMA TAC Allocation: Registration Process
Step-by-step process for obtaining TAC certificate for global device identification
Document Collection
Gather all necessary documents, including:
- • A signed authorisation letter from the authorised signatory
- • Product specification sheet
- • Band/network details form
Company Profile Registration
Register your company profile on the GSMA portal. GSMA authorities will review the submission. If no queries arise, login credentials are granted.
TAC Payment
Make the applicable TAC allocation fee payment as per GSMA guidelines.
Band Profile Creation
Fill in and create the band/network profile for the device on the GSMA portal.
TAC Application Submission
Submit the TAC Application Form along with all supporting documentation.
Certificate Grant
Upon verification, the GSMA issues the TAC Certificate, which uniquely identifies your device type on global networks.
Note: Scrutiny will be done at Step 2 and Step 5 by GSMA authorities. If any query comes, the same has to be responded to within the given time.
Additional IMEI Details
Network Operator Responsibility
The IMEI database is used by network operators to populate their Equipment Identity Registers (EIRs). It is the responsibility of network operators to download the IMEI database TAC allocation details and enable the TACs on their networks.
IMEI Checking Services
It is not possible to check an IMEI allocation on any websites. The GSMA does not provide allocation details to any websites. Information on websites claiming to provide IMEI checking services cannot be accurate as they don't have access to allocation details.
Global Usage
Your allocated IMEI can be used anywhere in the world, providing global device identification and network compatibility.
Ready to Get Your TAC Allocated?
Let our GSMA TAC registration experts guide you through the complete process for global device identification and IMEI allocation.