PTA Tax Explained: CNIC vs Passport
What PTA tax is, why it's different on a CNIC and a passport, how to pay it, and how to check the exact amount for your phone before you buy.
Most phones sold in Pakistan are imported. To work on Pakistani SIMs, each one must be registered with PTA and its tax paid.
What is PTA tax?
It is customs duty and sales tax set by the government (FBR) on imported phones. PTA collects it through its DIRBS system. The amount depends on the phone's customs value, which rises with the phone's price.
CNIC vs passport
| Registered on | Tax | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|
| CNIC | Higher | Anyone in Pakistan |
| Passport | Usually lower | Travellers bringing phones from abroad, within the allowed limit |
How to pay
- Open dirbs.pta.gov.pk and apply for registration
- Enter the phone's IMEI
- Get the PSID (payment slip)
- Pay at a bank or through a banking app
- The phone is approved after the payment is confirmed
Why online tax tables are often wrong
The customs values change from time to time, so figures on websites go out of date. Only DIRBS shows the current amount.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Why is PTA tax lower on a passport?
Phones brought in by travellers and registered on a passport fall under a different tax treatment, which is usually lower than CNIC registration.
How do I pay PTA tax?
Generate a payment slip (PSID) through PTA's DIRBS system, then pay it at a bank or through a banking app.