As regulators around the world increase scrutiny of device identity, certification and attestation requirements, Paresh Modi outlines how the GSMA Foundry’s new Device Homologation pilot can help device or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to simplify compliance, reduce duplication and support a more consistent global approach.
For device manufacturers, bringing products to market has never been simple. Regulatory requirements vary significantly across countries, and the compliance landscape is becoming increasingly complex as new obligations emerge around device registration, certification, conformity assessment and regulatory attestation.
This is not just a paperwork issue. Regulators are increasingly focused on protecting consumers, networks and public finances from counterfeit devices, fraud, theft and other criminal activity. These concerns have also been raised internationally, including at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), as authorities look for stronger ways to validate device identity and control illegal equipment entering their markets.
The direction of travel is clear: regulation is tightening. But that does not need to mean more fragmentation, more duplicated effort or more country-by-country burden for OEMs.
That is why the GSMA Foundry is launching a Device Homologation pilot to help simplify how device information is securely shared with regulators and other authorities. The ambition is straightforward: create a trusted, standardised baseline approach that allows OEMs to share the right information in a consistent way—while retaining complete control over their proprietary data— so regulators can access the validated data they need more efficiently.
For OEMs, the benefit of this approach is not simply compliance – it is brand protection. The pilot is designed to replace fragmented, ad hoc regulatory requests with one consistent data-sharing channel across participating markets, while keeping manufacturers in control of what information is shared, at device-attribute level. By joining now, OEMs can help shape an industry-led framework that supports faster market access, reduces duplication and avoids unnecessary exposure of commercially sensitive information. For regulators, it offers a more consistent, trusted and secure way to access the device information they need.
To drive the pilot, we are working with GSMA-member and technology partner, Apkudo, who provide a foundational data infrastructure layer for the connected device lifecycle. Built on federated data space principles, Apkudo’s platform is designed to create a canonical Device Passport™, a trusted, verifiable record for each device across its lifecycle, helping industry players improve transparency, consistency and confidence in device information.
The need is already visible in many markets around the world. For example, in Brazil, telecommunications products must be certified and homologated before they can be legally commercialised or used; and in India, IMEI registration is mandated for relevant devices and prohibits tampering with telecom identifiers, with penalties for violations including fines or even imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The potential consequences of non-compliance can be significant. Depending on the market and the nature of the breach, these can include delayed launches, blocked imports, product seizure, fines, loss of authorisation, device blocking, liability across the supply chain and, in some cases, criminal penalties. For global OEMs, the challenge is not whether to comply. It is how to comply efficiently, securely and consistently as more authorities introduce their own requirements.
The GSMA is well placed to help. As the global association at the centre of the mobile ecosystem, and with long-standing experience managing TAC/IMEI and device identity infrastructure, we can help reduce fragmentation and support a more scalable model for both OEMs and regulators.
The pilot is designed to demonstrate how OEMs can securely share device identifier information with regulators through a trusted framework. To take part, OEMs will initially need to provide access to information for a minimum of just 10 devices. By being a part of the pilot, OEMs have a unique opportunity to shape a unified approach from the ground up.
More regulation is coming, and in many markets it is already here. But with the right industry-led approach, compliance can become simpler, more consistent and less burdensome.
For more information or to join the GSMA Foundry Device Homologation pilot visit apkudo.com/gsma.