TAC (Type Approval Code)

The Type Approval Code (TAC) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific mobile device or handset. It is used to indicate that the device has undergone the necessary regulatory and technical requirements to be legally sold in a particular country or region. The TAC is an essential component of the global system for mobile communications (GSM) and is globally recognized.

Here are the key aspects and details related to the TAC:

1. Identification and Structure: The TAC is a 15-digit code that consists of several components. The first 8 digits represent the Type Allocation Code, which is assigned by the GSM Association (GSMA) to identify the manufacturer or brand of the device. The remaining 7 digits are the Equipment Serial Number (ESN), assigned by the manufacturer to uniquely identify each device within their product range.
2. Manufacturer and Brand Identification: The initial 8 digits of the TAC indicate the manufacturer or brand of the mobile device. These digits are unique to each manufacturer or brand and are assigned by the GSMA. The GSMA maintains a database of TAC assignments, which helps in identifying the device's origin and manufacturer.
3. Device Identification: The last 7 digits of the TAC, known as the ESN, provide a unique identifier for each device within a particular manufacturer's range. These digits are assigned by the manufacturer during the production process, allowing for precise identification of individual devices.
4. Regulatory Compliance: The TAC is closely linked to regulatory compliance requirements for mobile devices. Before a mobile device can be legally sold in a country or region, it must undergo type approval, which involves testing and certification by regulatory bodies or authorized organizations. The TAC serves as evidence that the device has met the necessary technical and regulatory standards.
5. Global Recognition: The TAC is globally recognized and accepted across different countries and regions. This recognition ensures that a device that has obtained type approval in one country can be sold in another without undergoing additional certification processes. It facilitates international trade of mobile devices and streamlines the approval process for manufacturers.
6. Database and Verification: The GSMA maintains a centralized database called the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) database, which includes information about each TAC assignment and associated device details. The database allows regulators, network operators, and consumers to verify the authenticity and origin of mobile devices using their TAC.
7. Security and Anti-Theft Measures: The TAC plays a crucial role in implementing security measures to combat mobile device theft and unauthorized use. When a device is reported as stolen or lost, the TAC, along with the IMEI, can be used to block the device from accessing mobile networks, rendering it unusable or less attractive to thieves.

The TAC is an essential component of the mobile device ecosystem, providing a standardized and globally recognized identification system. It ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, facilitates international trade, and enhances device security. By using the TAC, stakeholders can easily identify the manufacturer, verify device authenticity, and enforce measures to protect consumers and combat mobile device theft.