Government has prohibited imports of all kind of mobile handsets with fake or duplicate unique identity numbers, a move that will help security agencies in tracking callers using different sim cards, Reports PTI.

The unique number helps in tracking mobile phones. The move aims to check proliferation of mobile handsets with duplicate or cloned IMEI numbers, which are dangerous for national security.

While there is already an order in place which bans import of mobile phones with fake, without or with ’00..00′ IMEI numbers, the new order places bans on duplicate handsets as well.

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number - a 15-17 digit number unique to mobile phones that use the global system for mobile communications (GSM) technology platform - is used to identify a device on a cellphone network.

"We welcome any crackdown in fake IMEI or grey market. The implementation of this notification on gorund will have to be handled with great care so that ease of business is not hampered while curbing grey market," Indian Cellular Association National President Pankaj Mohindroo said.

Mobile phones without the unique security code are making inroads into the grey market by cloning the IMEI numbers of genuine sets. Duplicates phone have further added to woes of customers, companies as well as security agencies.

PTI