You must pay taxes on any mobile device you intend to “import” into Pakistan, whether it be a feature phone or a smartphone or tablet.
Due to the current budget’s higher import tax on mobile phones, taxes have gone up quite a little.
Since January 2019, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has levied certain taxes and levies on the import of gadgets such mobile phones as directed by the Pakistani government.
PTA Tax is the tax that must be paid on all imported mobile phones into Pakistan. Non-compliant devices eventually become prohibited if the PTA tax is not paid on time.
Devices are given a PTA Tax value based on their brands, models, and categories. The federal board of revenue (FBR) imposes six (6) separate PTA tax and duty slabs on imported mobile phones.
Here is a comprehensive guide for overseas Pakistani bringing mobile devices to Pakistan.
Why Is PTA Device Registration Required for Mobile Phones?
The majority of non-PTA-approved gadgets are vulnerable to abuse by several shady networks operating in Pakistan. Additionally, these mobile devices have historically been utilized in many terrorist attacks. In order to maintain a record of each user, PTA and FBR introduced the registration process.
Additionally, a significant portion of the import of electronic devices into Pakistan is made by Pakistani nationals or foreigners traveling from overseas, which strains the economy of the nation. Another justification for PTA starting the registration process was to maintain the balance of these imports.
PTA Tax calculator (for Passport holders)
Customers who bring mobile devices on trips overseas are partially exempt from PTA tax. In the table below, the PTA mobile tax list for passport holders is mentioned.
| Mobile phone price range in USD | PTA tax price range in Pakistan |
| $1 to $30 | PKR. 430 |
| $31 to$100 | PKR. 3200 |
| $101 to $200 | PKR. 9580 |
| $201 to $350 | PKR. 12200 plus 17% sales tax Ad Valorem |
| $351 to $500 | PKR. 17800 plus 17% sales tax Ad Valorem |
| $501 to above than $501 | PKR. 36870 plus 17% sales tax Ad Valorem |
PTA Tax Calculator (for CNIC)
For those who import mobile phones without traveling internationally, the PTA tax is greater. The table below contains information on the PTA tax applicable to imported phones.
| Mobile phone price range in USD | PTA tax price range in Pakistan |
| $1 to $30 | PKR. 550 |
| $31 to$100 | PKR. 4,323 |
| $101 to $200 | PKR. 11,561 |
| $201 to $350 | PKR. 146,61 plus 17% sales tax Ad Valorem |
| $351 to $500 | PKR. 23,420 plus 17% sales tax Ad Valorem |
| $501 to above than $501 | PKR. 37,007 plus 17% sales tax Ad Valorem |
The value that people must pay with base tax is shown in the tables above as sales tax ad valorem. 17% of the actual cost of the phone is sales tax applied on a per-value basis.
Step to Follow for Online PTA Tax Payment
The payment of PTA taxes has been simple since the FBR and PTA introduced DIRBS. The steps for online tax registration and payment with PTA are as follows:
- Visit the DIRBS website and register an account.
- Sign up for the DIRBS portal with your device.
- Before completing the form, read the instructions on the DIRBS website.
- Fill out the form with the necessary information and choose whether you want to use your device for personal or business purposes. Users who are businesses must register with DIRBS in order to pay taxes.
- Select the appropriate user type, which might be either an individual from Pakistan or a foreigner.
- Submit the form once all the fields have been filled in. Make sure you have the appropriate email address and the proper information input.
- Verify the details PTA sent to your address by checking your email.
Obtaining a Certificate of Conformity Application
- Use the login information supplied in the PTA’s confirmation email to access your account.
- Please choose Custom Compliance Certificate from the dashboard icon.
- After choosing “Individual COC,” you’ll be given a list of options. To proceed, click “Apply for COC”.
- Regardless of whether you are a domestic or international traveler, pick the option that best suits you. You might be needed to enter your passport number on the appropriate form if you’re traveling abroad.
- You simply need to provide your phone number and the name of your operator, such as Jazz/Warid, Telenor, Ufone, or Zong, if you use a local mobile device.
How To Give The Device’s IMEI Number?
By dialing *#06#, users can get the IMEI number of the device for each SIM. Write down the IMEI’s 15-digit number.
PTA Mobile Tax Can Be Paid at ATMs and Banks
Paying the PTA Mobile Registration Tax online is simple when done by direct bank transfer. Numerous well-known mobile wallet providers also allow you to make payments. PTA mobile taxes can be paid at ATMs and bank branches of all the country’s main commercial banks.
