If you bring a mobile phone into Pakistan from abroad, it must be registered with PTA’s DIRBS system, and the duty and taxes set by FBR must be paid, or the phone will be blocked on local networks. The Finance Act 2026-27 brought some changes from July 1, 2026, including lower duty on some phones and a legal option to pay in instalments. Here is what changed, what has not changed, and how to register your phone step by step.
What changed in Budget 2026-27
1. Lower taxes on mid-range phones ($101–$200)
For imported phones with a customs value between $101 and $200, the government reduced several fixed charges from July 1, 2026 (ProPakistani):
| Charge | Before | From July 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory duty | Rs. 7,500 | Rs. 6,000 |
| Income tax | Rs. 930 | Rs. 100 |
| Sales tax | 18% | 18% (unchanged) |
2. Lower regulatory duty on high-end phones
The regulatory duty on imported high-end phones was cut by about 20%, which FBR said would lower the tax by roughly Rs. 14,000 per phone (ProPakistani). Flagship phones, such as recent iPhones and Galaxy S models, still carry a heavy tax.
3. Instalments allowed by law, but not live yet
The Finance Act 2026 allows individuals to pay the sales tax on an imported phone in instalments through DIRBS, as long as all instalments are paid before the end of the financial year of import (June 30, 2027 for phones imported now). FBR explained the rule in Sales Tax Circular No. 1 of 2026 in September.
Important: As of mid-September 2026, the instalment option was not yet available on the DIRBS portal, and the number of instalments had not been announced (status check). PTA has also denied viral messages claiming monthly instalments are already live (ProPakistani). Until it goes live, plan to pay the full tax upfront.
How to register your phone with PTA (DIRBS)
- Dial *#06# to see your phone’s IMEI number(s). Dual-SIM phones have two.
- Go to the official DIRBS portal (dirbs.pta.gov.pk) or dial *8484#.
- Enter your details, choose passport or CNIC, and add the IMEI numbers.
- The system generates a PSID (payment slip ID) showing the tax amount.
- Pay the PSID through internet banking, a mobile wallet, ATM or a bank branch.
- After payment, the IMEI is registered and the phone works on all Pakistani networks.
Passport vs CNIC: which is cheaper?
Tax on passport is usually lower than on CNIC. Passport-based registration is meant for overseas Pakistanis and travellers who brought the phone themselves. The exact amount depends on the phone’s model and value, so always check the PSID amount on DIRBS before paying instead of relying on social media tax lists.
Temporary registration for visitors
Overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors can use a foreign phone on a local SIM for a limited time through temporary registration. After that period, the phone is blocked unless the full tax is paid.
Tips to avoid problems
- Never buy a “PTA approved” phone without checking its IMEI status by sending the IMEI to 8484.
- Ignore WhatsApp messages offering cheap PTA approval; only pay through the official PSID.
- If you are buying a new phone locally, a locally assembled or officially imported phone already includes taxes, such as the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Infinix Note 50 Pro.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay PTA tax in instalments?
The law allows it from July 1, 2026, but as of September 2026 the option was not live on DIRBS. Check official PTA and FBR announcements.
Who decides PTA tax rates?
FBR sets the duties and taxes. PTA only runs the DIRBS registration system.
How do I check if my phone is PTA approved?
Send your 15-digit IMEI number by SMS to 8484 or check it on the DIRBS website.
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