What is PTA tax?
“PTA tax” is the common name for the duties and taxes you pay to register an imported mobile phone in Pakistan. Every phone that connects to a Pakistani mobile network must have its IMEI registered with the PTA Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). Phones bought from authorised dealers are already registered. A phone brought from abroad, or sold as “non-PTA”, must be registered and its taxes paid, otherwise the SIM stops working in it after the grace period.
The money itself is collected by FBR customs. PTA's role is the registration and blocking system.
Passport vs CNIC: which is cheaper?
Registration on a passport is usually cheaper than on a CNIC. Passport registration is meant for travellers bringing a phone with them and has to be done within the allowed window after arrival, along with the travel record. CNIC registration is the route for everyone else, including people who buy a non-PTA phone locally.
| Passport | CNIC | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Travellers arriving with the phone | Anyone with a valid CNIC |
| Time limit | Within the window after arrival (60 days is commonly reported) | No arrival time limit |
| Tax level | Lower | Higher |
| Documents | Passport with travel stamp | CNIC |
PTA tax slabs (January 2026 summary)
Tax depends on the phone's value in US dollars. The table below is the slab summary the calculator uses by default. Amounts are fixed duties in rupees, plus sales tax on the phone's value for phones above $200.
| Phone value | Passport | CNIC |
|---|
Rates have changed several times in recent years. If you see a different figure on the portal, update the table inside the calculator and it will recalculate.
How to register a phone and pay PTA tax
- Find your IMEI. Dial
*#06#. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs, and both must be registered. - Check the status on DIRBS or by sending the IMEI by SMS to 8484.
- Apply for registration on the DIRBS portal or the official app, choosing passport or CNIC.
- Get your PSID (payment slip ID). This shows the exact tax for your model.
- Pay the PSID through your bank app, internet banking or a bank branch. The phone usually shows as registered after the payment is processed.
The PSID amount is final, not this calculator's estimate. Use the calculator to plan and compare, then pay exactly what the PSID shows.
Money-saving tips
- Register on passport when you can. If you or a family member is travelling with the phone, passport registration within the time limit usually costs less.
- Check the slab edges. A phone valued just above a slab boundary can cost much more than one just below it.
- Compare with the local price. Add the PTA tax to the foreign price and compare it with the official local price before buying abroad.
- Avoid unofficial “patch” services. Unregistered or tampered IMEIs can be blocked later, and you lose the money.
Frequently asked questions
How is PTA tax calculated?
It depends on the phone's value in US dollars and whether you register on passport or CNIC. Each value slab has fixed duties, and phones above $200 also pay sales tax on their value.
Is PTA tax lower on passport or CNIC?
Passport registration is usually lower. It is available to travellers within the allowed period after arrival.
How do I check if my phone is PTA approved?
Dial *#06# to get the IMEI, then check it on the DIRBS website or by SMS to 8484.
Why is my PSID amount different from this calculator?
Customs uses its own assessed value for each model and the current notified rates. The PSID amount is the official figure.
Do I need to pay tax for both IMEIs?
A dual-SIM phone has two IMEIs that are registered together for one device. Pay the PSID generated for the device.