Source: Graana.com
Paying PTA mobile registration tax has become mandatory for anyone who imports mobile phones from foreign countries and wants to use them permanently in Pakistan.
Over the last few years, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced strict laws to prevent the use of mobile devices or any other gadgets in acts of terrorism. For this reason, every mobile phone device must now be registered with PTA. Moreover, users have to pay a certain amount of tax on all devices imported from foreign countries.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) registration with PTA is essential if users do not want their mobile devices to get blocked. The registration process is quite easy as PTA has introduced an online mechanism for people’s ease.
Graana.com has prepared a complete guide on the PTA mobile registration process and tax payment plans below.
Most non-PTA-approved devices are subject to misuse by different fraudulent networks working in Pakistan. These mobile devices have also been used in different terrorist activities previously. So, to keep a record of each user, PTA has introduced the registration process in collaboration with FBR.
Moreover, Pakistani nationals or foreigners coming from abroad play a big role in the import of electronic gadgets to Pakistan, which puts a burden on the country’s economy. Keeping these imports in balance is another reason why PTA initiated the registration process.
Most non-PTA-approved mobile devices cannot be used with SIMs 60 days after their import to Pakistan. Once a specific amount of duty/tax on their devices has been paid, PTA unblocks them and the SIM cards can be used again.
PTA duties/taxes were introduced for the first time in 2019 in the form of DIRBS. According to the official FBR website, the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System is designed to identify non-compliant devices operating on local mobile networks. It automatically registers such devices and eventually blocks them.
The rates of taxes on electronic devices have been updated over time. The following table shows the latest rates of PTA taxes:
| Mobile Phone Value (USD) | PTA Tax (PKR) |
| Up to 30 | 1230 |
| Above 30 and up to 100 | 6400 |
| Above 100 and up to 200 | 17280 |
| Above 200 and up to 350 | 23800 + 17% sales tax |
| Above 350 and up to 500 | 34000 + 17% sales tax |
| Above 500 and up to 700 | 52000 + 17% sales tax |
| Above 700 | 60000 + 17% sales tax |
| Mobile Phone Value (USD) | PTA Tax (PKR) |
| Up to 30 | 1430 |
| Above 30 and up to 100 | 7843 |
| Above 100 and up to 200 | 20031 |
| Above 200 and up to 350 | 24770 + 17% sales tax |
| Above 350 and up to 500 | 39000 + 17% sales tax |
| Above 500 and up to 700 | 63500 + 17% sales tax |
| Above 700 | 71500 + 17% sales tax |
With the introduction of DIRBS by FBR and PTA, the payment of PTA taxes has become easy. Following is the procedure for registration and payment of taxes online with PTA:
Check the IMEI number:
Once you have the IMEI number, you can use it to check the PTA tax in the following ways:
If you find that your phone is not PTA approved or has outstanding taxes, you will need to pay the taxes before you can use it on Pakistani mobile networks. You can pay the taxes online through the PTA website or app, or at one of the designated PTA payment centers.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
For the registration of devices, users are required to provide details such as the IMEI number of the device, the number of SIM cards etc.
They can get the IMEI number of the device for each SIM by dialling *#06#.
After submitting the IMEI number, the system will generate a specific PSID, which can be used for the payment of taxes on the mobile device to make it PTA-compliant.
After the generation of PSID, you can easily pay taxes through any bank account online with a direct bank transfer. However, other mobile wallet accounts can also be used for the payment of taxes.
Ad valorem sales tax is the percentage of tax imposed on the monetary value of different taxed items. In simple words, it is an additional 17% sales tax that is charged on the monetary value of mobile phones along with the import duty/tax.
So, according to the new policy, PTA taxes are not the same for all mobile phone devices. The value of tax will vary according to the value of the mobile phone.
PTA keeps updating its policies for the registration of mobile phone devices, so keep visiting the official website for the latest updates.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) imposes taxes on mobile phones imported into the country. These taxes are based on the phone’s declared value and are intended to generate revenue for the government and discourage the import of illegal or unapproved devices.
| Phone Value (USD) | PTA Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Up to $30 | 430 |
| $31 to $100 | 3,200 |
| $101 to $200 | 25,000 |
| $201 to $350 | 12,200 + 17% Ad Valorem Sales Tax |
| $351 to $500 | 17,800 + 17% Ad Valorem Sales Tax |
| $501 and above | 36,870 + 17% Ad Valorem Sales Tax |
For more information, visit the Graana blog.
There’s no specific code for PTA tax payment. You use the generated PSID (Payment Slip ID) for identification and payment reference.
Follow steps 1-3 mentioned above in “How do I pay my mobile PTA tax online?” Your PSID will be generated after submitting your IMEI information.
The process mentioned above covers both registering your mobile and paying the associated PTA tax. Once you complete the steps and pay your PSID, your device will be registered with PTA.
Additional notes:
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