Mahdi Asadi, the head of the Mobile, Tablet, and Accessories Importers Association, in an interview about the status of mobile phone imports into the country following the start of official order registration, referred to the existing challenges and the impact of bans on the market. He emphasized that the registration of orders for expensive and flagship models is prohibited, but this ban cannot eliminate market demand.
Unofficial imports and existing challenges
Asadi clarified that new models from brands like iPhone, which have recently been released in global markets, have found their way into the Iranian market unofficially through passenger and informal methods despite the bans. This indicates that when there is demand, the market finds various ways to meet its needs.
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He also pointed out the problems that have arisen in the importation of these goods, stating: "Companies are in the process of registering orders and securing currency, but disruptions in flights have posed challenges to the entry of goods into the country." According to Asadi, about 90 percent of the mobile phones needed by the market were transported via flights to the UAE and then brought to Iran, but with the recent suspension of flights, this process has been disrupted.
The impact of bans on the market and consumers
The head of the Mobile Importers Association emphasized that the ban on flagship imports not only negatively affects the government and the private sector but also prevents consumers from benefiting from transparent and legal imports. He added: "During the period when iPhone imports were banned, this product entered the market through smuggling and unofficial channels, making it impossible to control and supervise it."
Asadi also noted that if the government decides to continue the ban on flagship phone imports, the unofficial market will increasingly grow and ultimately capture a larger share of the country's mobile market. In this situation, consumers will face risks, including uncertainty about the authenticity of the products and related services.
This industry official concluded by emphasizing that the government should strengthen the mechanisms for official and transparent imports instead of imposing bans, so that both government interests are met and the private sector and consumers can legally benefit from the latest technology.
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