Consumers buying refurbished phones and other used gadgets could get more protection under proposed rules from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) aimed at keeping stolen, tampered and defective devices out of the market.
The regulator held a public hearing on Sept. 23 on proposed rules covering the importation, accreditation, labeling, dealership and sale of refurbished mobile phones, tablets and other customer premises equipment.
Under the proposed framework, only legitimately sourced, properly documented and NTC type-approved devices that have not been tampered with may be imported and sold.
Refurbished units must carry clear labels and grades, be packaged under an NTC-authorized entity and come with a one-year repair or replacement warranty.
The proposed rules seek to give consumers clearer information about a device’s origin and condition while improving traceability across the secondary gadget market. Authorized dealers would also be required to stand behind the products they sell, creating a clearer distinction between legitimate refurbished devices and units entering the market through unauthorized channels.
Unlicensed entities caught importing, selling or trading used or refurbished devices could face administrative sanctions under the proposed rules.
The hearing drew participation from public telecommunications entities, prospective applicants and other stakeholders. Initial comments included concerns involving intellectual property and other rights reserved to manufacturers.
The NTC is accepting comments and proposed revisions until Oct. 1 before finalizing the regulatory framework.
If adopted, the rules would formalize compliance requirements for the refurbished-device trade and place greater responsibility on sellers to verify, disclose and provide after-sales support for the products they market.
