Introduction
If you’re bringing a mobile phone into Pakistan, you need to pay the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tax to register your device. The PTA tax ensures that all imported mobile phones comply with local regulations and are approved for use in the country. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of calculating PTA tax, understanding the PTA tax system, and how to pay it efficiently.
Understanding PTA Tax System
What is PTA Tax?
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) introduced a Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to regulate imported mobile phones and prevent illegal usage. Any device brought into Pakistan needs to be registered with PTA, and a tax must be paid based on the phone’s value and category.
Who Needs to Pay PTA Tax?
You need to pay PTA tax if:
- You’re bringing a mobile phone from abroad for personal use.
- You purchased a phone from a foreign country and want to use a Pakistani SIM card.
- Your phone is not registered in PTA’s database.
Types of PTA Registration
- Passport Registration: Phones registered within 60 days of arrival in Pakistan.
- CNIC Registration: Phones registered without a passport, applicable to local residents.
How to Calculate PTA Tax?
Step 1: Identify Your Mobile Device’s Value
The tax is calculated based on the phone’s Customs Value, determined by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). You can check the approximate customs value from the PTA or FBR website.
Step 2: Understand the Tax Brackets
The PTA tax varies based on the phone’s value:
| Mobile Price Range (USD) | PTA Tax on Passport (PKR) | PTA Tax on CNIC (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $30 | 5,840 | 7,843 |
| $31 – $100 | 9,270 | 11,561 |
| $101 – $200 | 13,280 | 16,001 |
| $201 – $350 | 26,680 | 30,941 |
| $351 – $500 | 40,000 | 46,500 |
| $501 – $700 | 58,830 | 68,000 |
| $701+ | 79,100 | 95,000 |
Step 3: Check IMEI Number
To register and calculate the exact tax, verify your device’s IMEI number:
- Dial *#06# on your phone.
- Note down the 15-digit IMEI number.
- Visit the DIRBS website to check the registration status.
Step 4: Use PTA Tax Calculator
You can calculate your tax using the official PTA Tax Calculator available on the PTA website. Enter your device details, and the system will show the exact amount payable.
Step 5: Pay PTA Tax
You can pay the PTA tax through:
- Online Banking – Via your bank’s online portal.
- ATM – Use your bank’s ATM to make the payment.
- Bank Branches – Visit designated branches of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) or Faysal Bank.
- EasyPaisa/JazzCash – Some mobile wallets also facilitate PTA tax payments.
How to Register Your Mobile with PTA?
Method 1: Through DIRBS Website
- Go to the DIRBS PTA Registration Portal.
- Sign up or log in using your CNIC or passport.
- Enter your phone’s IMEI number.
- The system will show the tax amount.
- Pay the tax using any available method.
- Your device will be registered within 24-48 hours.
Method 2: Through the PTA Mobile App
- Download the PTA DIRBS app from the Play Store.
- Open the app and enter your device’s IMEI number.
- Follow the prompts to check the tax amount.
- Make the payment and wait for the registration confirmation.
Exemptions & Discounts on PTA Tax
- One Free Device Policy: You are allowed to register one phone for free per passport every year.
- Diplomatic & Official Devices: Phones used by foreign diplomats are exempt from PTA tax.
- Refurbished Phones: Some low-value refurbished devices may qualify for lower tax rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I check if my phone is PTA registered?
You can check the status of your phone by sending your IMEI number via SMS to 8484 or visiting the DIRBS website.
2. Can I use my phone without paying PTA tax?
No, after 60 days of usage, your phone will be blocked if it is not registered and the tax is unpaid.
3. Is PTA tax refundable?
No, PTA tax is non-refundable once paid, even if you leave Pakistan with the phone.
4. How long does PTA registration take?
Once the tax is paid, the registration usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
5. Can I register multiple phones on one passport?
Yes, you can register multiple devices, but only one phone is exempt from tax per year.
Conclusion
Calculating and paying PTA tax is crucial for using an imported mobile phone in Pakistan. Understanding tax brackets, using the PTA tax calculator, and paying the required amount through official channels will ensure hassle-free registration. Follow the steps in this guide to smoothly register your mobile device and avoid any service disruptions.
