Understanding the Global Trade of Used Mobile Phones
Today, mobile phones have become a vital part of our lives. We rely on these communication devices for a lot of day-to-day work. While many people are drawn to the latest models, the market also includes a significant number of used mobile phones buyers. In fact, the international trade of used mobile phones is a booming segment in the electronics and communications sector. To make it easy to understand, used mobile phones are devices that have been previously used or owned. They are usually resold in the market, often at a lower price than new models. And they may range from slightly used to heavily worn, with visible signs of wear and tear. Moreover, the level of usage, condition of the mobile phone, and the age of the device often determine both the price and the categorization of these phones. As they are already used, second hand phone buyers often benefit from great discounts. These used mobile phones are in high demand across multiple regions, such as Asia-Pacific (India and China), the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt), Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina), and Eastern Europe.
Why Is the Global Market for Used Phones Growing?
It is interesting to note that a survey showed more than 95% of used mobile phones in India were sold as-is, with only 5% undergoing repair or refurbishment before re-entering the market. More and more consumers are now choosing used, renewed, or refurbished devices instead of putting their hard-earned money into new ones, especially in developing countries. Research reveals that the majority of Asians are willing to spend either $400 or less when buying a new phone (Source: NSYS Group). There is no doubt that the demand for used mobile phones (such as in the Philippines, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, India, Brazil, and Argentina) in developing nations is higher than in other countries. It is because consumers in these regions are mostly price-sensitive, especially when it comes to electronic devices.
There are several factors pushing the second hand mobile market demand to record highs. Here are the major ones:
- New smartphones or iPhones are increasingly expensive nowadays. On the other hand, used mobile phones are much more affordable, allowing access to premium models at a relatively lower cost. For example, a brand-new smartphone can cost somewhere around 40K -50K, while the cost of a second hand smartphone (probably the same model) can be as low as 10K-15K.
- Growing environmental concerns are also a reason why people or businesses are shifting towards used mobile phones. These used phones reduce e-waste that ends up in landfills, making them more acceptable in eco-conscious markets.
- Another important factor is the improved refurbishment processes, which lead to more reliable and higher-quality used devices. This also increases consumer confidence in the market.
- The growth of online or e-commerce platforms has made it much easier for consumers to buy and sell used mobile phones. These platforms provide a convenient marketplace for both used phone buyers and suppliers. Besides, first-time users (especially in remote and rural areas) usually prefer second hand phones.
Classifications of Used Mobile Phones: Categories Popular in Export & Import Markets
As the need for sustainable and affordable technology increases, the opportunity for exporters of used mobile phones continues to grow. Whether you're dealing in used mobile phones in bulk, supplying second hand iPhones, or offering fully tested refurbished Android phones, understanding the classifications and categories of used devices is critical to meet market demand and scale your business.
| Category & Types | Conditions & Features | Typical Price Range |
| Like New / Open Box | - Barely used, excellent condition
- Often includes original accessories and warranty
| 80–90% of original price |
| Grade A/B Used Phones | - Fully functional with minor (Grade A) to moderate (Grade B) cosmetic wear.
- Grade B may be used in refurbishment programs
| 60–80% of original price |
| Refurbished Phones (certified) | - Professionally repaired, tested, graded
- Sold with limited warranty
- Good balance between price and reliability
| 60–85% of original price |
| Lightly Used | - Minor cosmetic wear, fully functional
- No major issues, may lack box/accessories
- Popular due to lower depreciation
| 50–70% of original price |
| Moderately Used | - Noticeable wear, minor scratches
- May need battery/service checks (still usable for calls, apps, browsing)
- Popular in resale markets
| 30–50% of original price |
| As-Is / Faulty Phones | - Broken, untested, or partially working
- Sold in bulk for parts recovery or refurbishment
- No warranty
| <30% of original price |
| Heavily Used | - Heavy wear, dents, possible faults
- May require repairs soon
- Often resold in offline or low-cost markets
| 10–30% of original price |
| Non-Functional (For Parts) | - Not working, broken screen/motherboard
- Usually sold in bulk; salvaged for parts or refurbished for resale
- Environmental disposal is also a key market
| <10% of original price |
| Locked vs. Unlocked Phones | - Carrier-locked phones have restricted use, while unlocked phones work on any network
- Unlocked phones fetch higher resale value and have broader appeal globally
| Locked phones have a lower price range. Unlocked phones have a higher price range. |
These are the major categories of used mobile phones for international trade. However, suppliers often expand into other related categories to maximize their reach, attract more buyers, and grow their export business. These adjacent category products include:
What Are the Key Standards and Requirements Exporters Must Follow to Export Used Mobile Phones?
Exporters and suppliers should understand who the buyers of old mobile phones are, along with key international standards and requirements. This will help attract more used mobile phones importers and succeed in global markets. Buyers of used or refurbished mobile phones can range from wholesalers and retailers to refurbishing companies, recyclers & scrap processors, e-commerce resellers, and even individual importers or resellers sourcing directly from suppliers.
In addition, here are the key standards you need to meet for exporting used mobile phones.
| Standard/ Requirement | Description |
| Device Grading (A/B/C) | - Classification of devices based on cosmetic condition and functionality
- Commonly used grades are A (like new), B (minor wear), and C (heavily used)
- Gives buyer clarity and reduces disputes
|
| IMEI & Blacklist Check | - Devices must be verified as not blacklisted (e.g., lost or stolen)
- Should have clean IMEI numbers for legal export and import
- Prevents legal issues at customs and ensures device legality
|
| Data Wipe Compliance | - Personal data must be permanently erased using standards like GDPR (EU), NIST 800-88 (US), or ISO 27001-compliant tools
- Helps protect privacy
- Required by law in many regions
|
| Battery Safety (UN 38.3) | - Lithium-ion batteries must pass UN 38.3 tests to be legally shipped by air or sea, ensuring safe transport
- Reduces risk of fire or explosion in transit
|
| Environmental Compliance | - Devices must comply with RoHS, WEEE, and Basel Convention rules to avoid restricted materials and improper electronic waste handling
- Ensures eco-compliance & avoids fines or rejected shipments
|
| Proper Labeling & Packaging | - Exported phones must be labeled with grade, IMEI, and safety information, and packaged securely for international transport.
- Prevents damage, meets customs & transport rules
|
| Customs Documentation | - Important paperwork includes a commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration, and certificate of origin.
- Prevents delays or rejections
|
| Country-Specific Certifications | - Some destinations require certifications like BIS (India), CE (EU), or FCC (USA) for legal import and resale.
- Mandatory for customs clearance and retail sale.
|
Crucial Market Insights: Used Mobile Phones Industry Overview
Here are the global insights into the used mobile phones market that you should know.
Global Refurbished & Used Mobile Phones Market Size:
| Metric | Value |
| Market Size (2024) | $69 Billion |
| Estimated Market Size (2033) | $131 Billion |
| CAGR (2025-2033) | 7.35% |
Price Range of Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones:
| Price Category | Price Range |
| Low Price | Below $200 |
| Mid Price | $200 to $500 |
| Premium Price | Above $500 |
Source: IMARC
Top 3 Used Mobile Phones Importers:
| Country Name | Total Shipments |
| India | 804,307 |
| Vietnam | 682,718 |
| South Korea | 39,696 |
Source: Volza
How to Find Verified Used Mobile Phones Importers and Buyers?
If you want to sell old mobiles or used mobile phones in bulk, follow these effective methods to find and connect with verified buyers.
- Start by exploring B2B platforms (such as go4WorldBusiness) that provide verified used mobile phones buyers.
- To meet potential buyers in person, attend trade shows like Mobile World Congress, GITEX, Mobile India Expo, ITC, etc.
- Look for industry-specific forums and groups (such as GSMExchange, LinkedIn groups, Facebook B2B communities, and other wholesale electronics forums).
- Reach out to government-backed organizations that maintain listings of genuine buyers, like the Export Prom
- otion Councils or Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
- You can find buyers online by using long-tail keywords such as "old phone buyers near me" or "second-hand iPhone buyers" in search engines or business directories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Is the import/export of used mobile phones legal?
Yes, the import and export of used mobile phones is legal. However, there are specific regulations and requirements that you must follow. Devices should be unlocked, IMEI-registered, and not stolen. Some countries require prior approval or certification. In India, you must get certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and comply with labeling requirements.
2. What is the difference between used and refurbished phones?
Used phones are sold as-is, while refurbished units are tested, repaired, graded, and often come with warranties.
3. Which country is the biggest buyer of used mobile phones?
India is the biggest buyer of used mobile phones, followed by Vietnam and South Korea.
4. What is the HSN code for used mobile phones?
8517 is the used mobile phones HSN code (same as for new mobile phones).
5. What type of Used Phones Products are exported globally?
A range of used mobile phone products is exported, including:
- Fully functional used phones (tested, working devices, and often categorized by cosmetic condition)
- Refurbished phones (repaired, cleaned, and restored to good working condition)
- As-Is/ faulty phones (non-working or partially working phones)
- Open-box or return box (phones returned by customers, often unused or lightly used)
- Locked and unlocked phones (locked phones have limited usability compared to unlocked phones)
6. What are some popular brands and models in the used mobile phone market?
The most in-demand brands and models in the used mobile phone market include:
- Apple iPhones (with high resale value and demand)
- Samsung (Samsung’s Galaxy S & A series are top performers)
- OnePlus Models (known for performance & durability)
- Xiaomi/ Redmi / POCO (budget-friendly used android phones)
- Google Pixel (mid-range pixel models like the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 are popular)
Latest News Related to Used Mobile Phones Global Trade
Europe’s refurbished and used mobile phones market is expected to nearly double from €24.4?billion in 2025 to €47.2 billion by 2032 due to affordability, sustainability, certified trade-in programs and supportive EU circular-economy policies. (Full Story: Open PR)
