Registering a smartphone in Pakistan in late 2026 is no longer a casual decision. With regulatory duty, sales tax, and withholding slabs combined, paying the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) mobile tax on a flagship handset often costs almost as much as buying a mid-range laptop. Whether you are bringing an iPhone 16 from the UAE, importing a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, or purchasing an unapproved phone locally, knowing the exact rates before your 60-day carrier grace period expires prevents an unexpected SIM block.
Every imported device that connects to a Pakistani cellular tower (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, or Ufone) must be registered through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). Taxes are calculated based on the phone's Customs C&F (Cost and Freight) value in US dollars, but payment is made in Pakistani Rupees using a computerized 17-digit PSID number.
| Device C&F Value (USD) | Tax on Passport (Within 60 Days) | Tax on CNIC (Commercial / Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $30 (Basic Feature Phones) | Rs 550 | Rs 2,680 |
| $30 to $100 (Budget Androids) | Rs 4,320 | Rs 16,560 |
| $100 to $200 (Mid-Range 4G) | Rs 11,500 | Rs 27,800 |
| $200 to $350 (Upper Mid-Tier) | Rs 43,200 | Rs 65,400 |
| $350 to $500 (Sub-Flagships) | Rs 68,500 | Rs 92,300 |
| Above $500 (Flagships: iPhone & Galaxy S) | Rs 135,500 Rs 145,000 | Rs 165,000 Rs 178,500 |
Flagship Handsets: iPhone 16 and Samsung S24 Series Breakdown
For high-end devices, the final payable tax includes Federal Excise Duty (FED), 25% Sales Tax on high-bracket luxury goods, and Advance Income Tax under Section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance. Because the C&F valuation for Apple and Samsung flagship models exceeds $500, they fall into the maximum customs bracket.
Here are the verified payable rates currently generated by FBR web-based customs systems for standard configurations:
- Apple iPhone 16 (Base 128GB): Approximately Rs 134,200 on Passport; Rs 162,500 on CNIC.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro (128GB / 256GB): Approximately Rs 141,800 on Passport; Rs 171,400 on CNIC.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB / 512GB): Approximately Rs 146,500 on Passport; Rs 178,200 on CNIC.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Approximately Rs 139,000 on Passport; Rs 168,500 on CNIC.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro: Approximately Rs 136,000 on Passport; Rs 164,800 on CNIC.
Passport vs CNIC Registration: Why Does the Price Differ?
The price difference between registering on an international passport and a local Pakistani CNIC stems from the overseas passenger baggage rules. Travelers arriving in Pakistan with a valid entry stamp are granted a discounted customs rate on one personal phone within 60 days of arrival. If registered after 60 days, or registered directly on a national identity card (CNIC) without travel records, standard commercial sales tax and higher withholding brackets are levied.
Keep in mind that registering a phone on someone else's passport without their explicit authorization is illegal under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The SIM inserted into the registered IMEI slot must belong to the CNIC of the registered owner to avoid future automated telecommunication blocks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Generate Your PSID and Pay
You do not need to pay an agent or visit a customs office to approve your handset. The entire process can be completed from your phone in under five minutes:
- Retrieve Your Device IMEI: Dial
*#06#on your phone dialer. If your phone supports physical SIM + eSIM or Dual SIM, record both IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. You must register both numbers simultaneously; registering only one leaves the second slot disabled. - Access DIRBS: Visit the official web portal at
dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drsor dial USSD code*8484#from any active local SIM card. - Create an Account: Enter your national identity details (CNIC or Passport Number) and contact mobile number.
- Submit IMEI Numbers: Select your registration category (International Traveler or Local Consumer) and enter both 15-digit IMEI numbers carefully.
- Get 17-Digit PSID: The system automatically calculates the tax and issues a 17-digit Payment Slip Identifier (PSID) via SMS.
- Pay Online: Open any Pakistani banking app (such as Meezan, HBL, Bank Alfalah), JazzCash, or Easypaisa. Navigate to Govt Payments / 1Bill / FBR Mobile Tax, enter your PSID, and confirm payment.
Once payment clears through the State Bank of Pakistan 1Link switch, PTA updates your device status to "Compliant" within two to four hours. A simple phone restart re-enables full network connectivity on all Pakistani mobile networks.
