Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
PTA tax check, IMEI check and DIRBS registration
Everything about registering a phone in Pakistan on one page: check approval by IMEI, see the tax for your phone, and register on DIRBS.
PTA IMEI check: 10 seconds
- Dial *#06# on the phone to display the IMEI (dual-SIM phones show two).
- SMS the 15-digit IMEI to 8484.
- The reply is Compliant (PTA approved), Non-compliant (register within 120 days) or Blocked.
Online alternative: the DIRBS portal at dirbs.pta.gov.pk → Check Device Status.
PTA tax list 2026: by phone value
Fixed amount per slab; slabs above $200 also add sales tax on the phone’s rupee value. Rupee figures below use the dollar rate of 277.76 (15 Sept 2026).
| Phone value | Passport (≤ 60 days) | CNIC |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $30 | Rs 1,230 | Rs 1,430 |
| $31 – $100 | Rs 6,400 | Rs 7,843 |
| $101 – $200 | Rs 17,280 | Rs 20,031 |
| $201 – $350 | Rs 23,800 + 17% of value | Rs 24,770 + 17% of value |
| $351 – $500 | Rs 34,000 + 17% of value | Rs 39,000 + 17% of value |
| Above $500 | Rs 52,000 + 17% of value | Rs 63,500 + 17% of value |
FBR: Mobile device duty & tax schedule (DIRBS). Reviewed 15 Sept 2026. Indicative, the exact PSID amount is generated by FBR on application.
PTA tax on popular phones
| Phone | On passport | On CNIC |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Android (~$150) | Rs 17,280 | Rs 20,031 |
| Mid-range (~$300) | Rs 37,966 | Rs 38,936 |
| Galaxy S / Pixel (~$800) | Rs 89,775 | Rs 101,275 |
| iPhone 17 (~$999) | Rs 99,172 | Rs 110,672 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (~$1,300) | Rs 113,385 | Rs 124,885 |
Your phone’s exact figure: PTA Tax Calculator.
How to register on DIRBS
- Create an account at dirbs.pta.gov.pk (local Pakistani, overseas Pakistani, or foreigner).
- Choose Individual COC (Certificate of Compliance) and enter the IMEI(s).
- Select passport (arrival within 60 days, upload the passport page with the entry stamp) or CNIC.
- FBR generates a PSID with the payable amount, usually within a day.
- Pay through any bank app, ATM or branch under FBR – Mobile Device Tax.
- The device is whitelisted within 24 hours; SMS the IMEI to 8484 again to confirm “Compliant”.
Full walkthrough with screenshots and error fixes: How to register an imported phone with PTA.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I check if my phone is PTA approved?
- Dial *#06# to see the IMEI, then SMS the 15-digit IMEI to 8484. The reply says Compliant (approved), Non-compliant (needs registration) or Blocked. You can also check on the DIRBS portal.
- How much is PTA tax on an iPhone?
- iPhones fall in the top value slab. Registered on a passport within 60 days of arrival the tax is lower than on a CNIC; the exact amount depends on the phone's declared value and today's dollar rate. Use the PTA Tax Calculator for a live figure.
- How long can I use a foreign phone without registering?
- 120 days from first use on a Pakistani SIM, once per passport entry. After that the phone is blocked on all local networks until the tax is paid. WiFi keeps working.
- Passport or CNIC: which is cheaper?
- Passport, but only within 60 days of your arrival stamp. After 60 days you must register on CNIC at the higher rate.
- Where do I pay PTA tax?
- After applying on DIRBS, FBR issues a PSID. Pay it through any bank app, ATM or branch under FBR – Mobile Device Tax. The phone is whitelisted within a day of payment.
- Can I register a dual-SIM phone with one payment?
- Yes. Both IMEIs go on one application and one PSID covers the device.
- What if I bought a non-PTA phone locally?
- It works for 120 days on a SIM then gets blocked. You can register it on CNIC the same way as an imported phone; ask the seller for the IMEI compliance status before paying.