, Jan. 1 -- The government has significantly reduced customs duty on mobile phone imports, cutting it from 25 percent to 10 percent, following a decision taken at a meeting of the Advisory Council on Thursday.

The move represents a reduction of nearly 60 percent and is aimed at facilitating the full implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) while easing pressure on consumers and legitimate businesses.

Under the new decision, customs duty for locally manufactured mobile handsets has also been lowered-from 10 percent to 5 percent-marking a 50 percent reduction.

The government believes the measures will encourage both lawful imports and domestic production, ultimately bringing mobile phone prices down to a more aff...