How to Pay PTA Mobile Registration Tax

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.

 

Why Is It Important to Register Mobile Phone Devices With PTA?

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.

 

Cons of Non-PTA Registered Mobile Devices

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.

 

Updated PTA Tax List Issued by PTA

 

 

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 PTA Tax Calculator (Passport)

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 PTA Tax Calculator (CNIC)

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

 

How to Pay Mobile PTA Tax Online

 

 

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:

• Go to the official website of DIRBS and create an account.
• Register your device on the DIRBS portal.
• Read the guidelines given on the DIRBS website before filling out the form.
• Provide the required details on the form and select the purpose of using your device (personal or commercial). Commercial users have to get themselves registered with DIRBS for the payment of taxes.
• Choose the right user type, which can either be a Pakistan local or a foreigner.
• After filling in all the fields, submit the form. Make sure you have entered the correct information with the right email address.
• Check your email and verify the information sent by PTA to your address.

How to Find PTA Tax on Mobile

Check the IMEI number:

1. *Dial #06#: This is the easiest way to find your IMEI number. Dial this code on your phone and your IMEI number will be displayed on the screen.
2. Look under the battery: Many phones have the IMEI number printed under the battery. You will need to remove the battery to see it.
3. Check the phone settings: Go to the “Settings” menu on your phone and then select “About Phone”. The IMEI number should be listed there.

Once you have the IMEI number, you can use it to check the PTA tax in the following ways:

• Visit the PTA website: Go to the PTA’s Device Verification System (DVS) website at https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/. Enter your IMEI number and click “Check”. The website will show you the status of your phone, including whether it is PTA approved and whether there are any outstanding taxes.
• Use the PTA app: Download the PTA Mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Open the app and enter your IMEI number. The app will show you the status of your phone, including whether it is PTA approved and whether there are any outstanding taxes.
• Send an SMS: Type “IMEI <space> your IMEI number” and send it to 8484. You will receive an SMS reply from the PTA with the status of your phone, including whether it is PTA approved and whether there are any outstanding taxes.

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:

• PTA website: https://www.pta.gov.pk/
• PTA DVS website: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/
• PTA Mobile app: https://www.pta.gov.pk/
• How to check your Mobile IMEI Number and PTA Tax Due:

Application for Certificate of Compliance

• Once you receive the confirmation email from PTA, use the credentials provided to log in to your account.
• Under the dashboard icon, click on the option for Individual Certificate of Compliance.
• Further options will appear; select Apply for Individual COC.
• Provide a SIM number with any local mobile network operator.

 

How to Provide a Device’s IMEI Number?

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#.

 

Generation of PSID (Payment Slip Identity)

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.

 

Payment of Taxes

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.

 

What Is Sales Tax Ad Valorem? | PTA Mobile Registration Tax

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.

PTA Mobile Tax List in Pakistan (2024)

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.

PTA mobile tax list in Pakistan, effective January 2024:

For more information, visit the Graana blog.

 

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FAQ’s

 

What is the code for PTA tax payment?

There’s no specific code for PTA tax payment. You use the generated PSID (Payment Slip ID) for identification and payment reference.

How do I get my PSID for PTA tax?

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.

How to register mobile with PTA fee?

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:

• Ensure your phone is powered on and has a valid SIM card with network connectivity when entering the IMEI number.
• Double-check your IMEI number for accuracy before submitting.
• Keep your PSID safe for future reference or potential inquiries.