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, allow governments to collect the correct taxes and help tackle, together with the WCO, counterfeit devices and help operators identify, and serve appropriately, devices on their networks.
Note: The brand owner is the TAC holder and the manufacturer is named as OEM on the TAC application form. Brand responsible for sales must apply for TAC.
Note: The brand owner is the TAC holder and the manufacturer is named as OEM on the TAC application form. Brand responsible for sales must apply for TAC.
About TAC (Type Allocation Code):
Where a device connects to a cellular network, either a 3GPP or 3GPP2 defined network, it needs a TAC.
TAC identifies the device model, marketing name, brand owner and OEM
A TAC is allocated to a specific device model and brand owner
Only one device model may be allocated to a TAC,
A new TAC is required for each unique device model,
TAC is the first 8 digits of an IMEI,
One million devices or units or IMEI (100,000 serial numbers) per TAC,
After one million units allocate a new TAC,
Any manufacturer is allowed to use GSMA allocated TAC only
A TAC is allocated to a specific device model and brand owner
Only one device model may be allocated to a TAC,
A new TAC is required for each unique device model,
TAC is the first 8 digits of an IMEI,
One million devices or units or IMEI (100,000 serial numbers) per TAC,
After one million units allocate a new TAC,
Any manufacturer is allowed to use GSMA allocated TAC only
What is an IMEI?
The International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit code which identifies each individual mobile device-
> GSMA appointed reporting bodies and issues them TAC codes. The HQ location of the brand owner determines which reporting body manages an application.
> Reporting Body identifier – TUV SUD (35) except China. For China – TAF (86)
> Reporting Body identifier – TUV SUD (35) except China. For China – TAF (86)
Q. Who applies for TAC when IoT modems are installed in other equipment?
A. When modems are installed in other machines, the original modem producer applies for TAC. TAC identifies the device model so one TAC is allocated to per model and each device must have unique IMEI per SIM slot basis. Use the TAC allocated to the model and increase the serial number for each unit produced.
A. When modems are installed in other machines, the original modem producer applies for TAC. TAC identifies the device model so one TAC is allocated to per model and each device must have unique IMEI per SIM slot basis. Use the TAC allocated to the model and increase the serial number for each unit produced.
When do you need a new TAC for a device model?
Following are considered variations to a specification which do require a new TAC:> Brand owner, External manufacturer, Model Name
> Components – Casing, Motherboard, Chipset, Number of cameras
> Connectivity – Transceiver capabilities, Frequency bands
> Operating system (e.g., Android, Tizen)
The following are considered variations to a specification which do not require a new TAC:
> Different version of same OS (e.g. Android 7, Android 8)> User interface (differences)
> Marketing Name
> Devices configurations – subset of transceiver frequency bands
> Manufacturer producing same model in different locations
> Minor variations – Camera pixel count, Colour of device, Memory size, Minor components
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 transceiver or single connection devices require one IMEI. Example: 4 SIMs with 1 transceiver requires 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. Separate parallel 3GPP and 3GPP2 transceivers require one IMEI and one MEID
> Once implemented in a device the IMEI cannot be changed. The IMEI cannot be changed by a menu function.
Multiple production facilities and TAC
> The same model, produced by the brand owner in multiple factories that they own, requires one TAC.> The same model, produced by 2 different outsourced manufacturers requires 2 different TAC. Each outsourced OEM must be named on the TAC application form.
> The same model, designed and produced by 2 different outsourced manufacturers requires two TAC. The outsourced OEMs must be named on the TAC application form.
Sale of Brands and TAC:
After the brand seller confirms the new owner, GSMA allocates TAC to the new owner
GSMA TAC Allocation: registration process
Brand owner registration (Timeline 2-3 working days after submission):
Allocated Reporting Body (TUV SUD/ TAF) will review the application within 2 working days. Amendment/ resubmission can be done in case of application on hold/ reject.
Step 1
Step 2
TAC payment (Timeline 2-3 working days after application submission):
> After registration is approved, applicant will receive access credentials to login to the GSMA IMEI portal. Please mention the Purchase Quantity of TAC (required 1 TAC per model).Standard Fee Plan: The standard fee is US$400 per TAC. There is an annual cap of US$80000; so if your company reaches this level within a 12-month period; TAC allocated for the remainder of the year is free of charge.
Subscription Plan: This enables unmetered TAC consumption for a fixed annual fee US$60,000.It eliminates repetitive ordering and payment administration and makes TAC immediately available.
> Discount: GSMA members get a 10% discount.
> Only once payment has been received, you will be able to fill out the TAC Application Request Form.
Band Profile details to be provided in the Enclosed Spreadsheet GSMA TAC Allocation – Data Collection Sheet
All brand owners and device manufacturers must provide detailed frequency band profile information when applying for new TAC. This is a mandatory requirement from the GSMA Terminal Steering Group to support the evolution of more complex wireless technology such as 4G and 5G, enhanced LTE and carrier aggregation; it will provide network owners and others with the detail they need to ensure your devices work seamlessly on their networks.This spreadsheet is provided to help you collect the Frequency Band and Frequency Band Performance information (e.g. QAM Up & Down link, MIMO Up & Down link, Power Class.) needed to populate the Band Profile section when applying for a new TAC.
Step 3
Step 4
| Items | Remarks/ Instructions | Quantity of TAC Required |
|---|---|---|
| Device Type | Only Select any one type from below list – Mobile Phone/Feature phone, Smartphone, Tablet, IoT device, Wearable, Dongle, Modem WLAN Router | Does your device support removable UICC (Physical Universal Integrated Circuit Card)? |
| Model name | Device regulatory model name is a specific name given to the handset. This can vary from the marketing name | Does your device support non-removable UICC? |
| Marketing name | The marketing name is typically used as the name the device is sold/ marketed to general public. You can include up to 3 marketing | Does your device support non-removable eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card has remote sim provisioning capability, the SIM is an application on the card)? |
| Does your device support removable eUICC? | ||
| Does your device support NFC? | ||
| Does your device support WLAN? | ||
| Does your device support Bluetooth? | ||
| If Brand / TAC Holder are not the original manufacture, then you will need to confirm the manufacturer’s details | ||
| Provide operating system for your device (like android, windows etc.) | ||
| Please provide device certification bodies name for which Devise is certified (Optional) |
Grant of TAC Certificate: GSMA authorities will check the application file submitted in above step and will issue the TAC certificate. If any query comes, same has to be responded within the given time.
Step 5
Note: Scrutiny will be done at above Step no. 2 and Step no. 5 by GSMA authorities. If any query comes, same has to be responded within the given time.
How to Generate IMEI No. of Devices after getting TAC?
The IMEI format and the Example are taken from the below email shared IMEI no.
By using luhn algorithm, the check digit is coming to 8. However, in shared IMEI no is 0 which not matching the GSMA guidelines
Type Allocation Code (TAC) = NNXXXXXX (The same you check from the GMSA portal or in the TAC certificate) and NN identifies the allocating body
Serial Number = ZZZZZZ (allocated by the Brand or Manufacturer itself)
Check digit = A (Calculate through Luhn Algorithm)
BABT allocates the TAC for applicants based outside of mainland China. The “35” at the beginning of a TAC identifies BABT as the issuing body.
You, as the allocation holder, are responsible for allocating the ZZZZZZ part of the IMEI in the range 000000 to 999999.
You are also responsible for calculating the A check digit for every IMEI programmed into phones by using the Luhn formula. Further, please find the below link help us to generate the check digit of the IMEI no. and the same shared GSMA department. Further, your IT team can help to create the Software to generate the IMEI and the source code can be taken from the below link.
https://sndeep.info/en/tools/checksum_calculator
https://simplycalc.com/luhn-calculate.php
| NN | XXXXXX | ZZZZZZ | A |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 686900 | 000000 | 8 |
By using luhn algorithm, the check digit is coming to 8. However, in shared IMEI no is 0 which not matching the GSMA guidelines
Type Allocation Code (TAC) = NNXXXXXX (The same you check from the GMSA portal or in the TAC certificate) and NN identifies the allocating body
Serial Number = ZZZZZZ (allocated by the Brand or Manufacturer itself)
Check digit = A (Calculate through Luhn Algorithm)
BABT allocates the TAC for applicants based outside of mainland China. The “35” at the beginning of a TAC identifies BABT as the issuing body.
You, as the allocation holder, are responsible for allocating the ZZZZZZ part of the IMEI in the range 000000 to 999999.
You are also responsible for calculating the A check digit for every IMEI programmed into phones by using the Luhn formula. Further, please find the below link help us to generate the check digit of the IMEI no. and the same shared GSMA department. Further, your IT team can help to create the Software to generate the IMEI and the source code can be taken from the below link.
https://sndeep.info/en/tools/checksum_calculator
https://simplycalc.com/luhn-calculate.php
Application Preparation
Some other details of IMEI no.
The IMEI database is used by network operators to populate their Equipment Identity Registers (EIRs).
It is the responsibility of the network operators to download the IMEI database TAC allocation details. The network operators should download the allocation details and enable the TACs on their networks.
It is not possible to check an IMEI allocation on websites. The GSMA does not provide allocation details to websites. The information on websites that claim to provide an IMEI checking service cannot be accurate and up-to-date because they do not have access to the allocation details.
Your allocated IMEI can be used anywhere in the world.
It is the responsibility of the network operators to download the IMEI database TAC allocation details. The network operators should download the allocation details and enable the TACs on their networks.
It is not possible to check an IMEI allocation on websites. The GSMA does not provide allocation details to websites. The information on websites that claim to provide an IMEI checking service cannot be accurate and up-to-date because they do not have access to the allocation details.
Your allocated IMEI can be used anywhere in the world.
FAQs
The cost for 1 TAC is $450.
Initially your organization should get registered in the database and then you should buy a TAC and apply for the same. So, the whole process will take you 7-10 working days to get a TAC allocated under your organization.
No, there is no such validity for a time period.
Yes, you can allocate the same TAC to the same model the next year.
You can allocate 1 million IMEI with one TAC. There is no discounted fee for a smaller number of IMEI.
This is at the sole discretion of the company.
Yes, both Brand Owner and OEM can become applicants.
