How to use the PTA Mobile Tax Calculator
- Enter the phone's value in US dollars.
- Choose whether you will register on your passport or CNIC.
- Read the estimated tax, including sales tax for phones over $200.
How it's calculated
Show the formula
PTA tax = fixed duty for the value band (+ 17% sales tax on the value for phones above $200)
Phones brought from abroad must be registered with PTA (DIRBS) and the tax paid, or they stop working on Pakistani networks. The tax depends on the phone's value in US dollars and on whether you register on a passport (cheaper, within 60 days of arrival) or a CNIC.
Worked example
These are the example numbers the calculator opens with. Change any of them above to see your own result.
You enter
| Phone value (US $) | 450 |
|---|---|
| Register on | Passport (within 60 days of arrival) |
You get
| Estimated PTA tax | Rs 38,967 |
|---|---|
| Value band | $350 to $500 |
| Fixed duty | Rs 17,800 |
| Sales tax (17% of value) | Rs 21,167 |
| Phone value in rupees | Rs 124,511 |
| Saving with passport | Using passport ✓ |
Tips
- Register on a passport within 60 days of arriving in Pakistan to pay less than on a CNIC.
- Check the exact amount on the PTA DIRBS website or by sending the IMEI before you pay.
- An unregistered phone stops working on Pakistani networks after the grace period.
Frequently asked questions
Is passport tax cheaper than CNIC?
Yes. Registration on a passport within 60 days of arrival costs noticeably less than on a CNIC for every price band.
How is the phone's value decided?
PTA uses its own value for each model, which may differ from what you paid. Use the value PTA shows for your IMEI for an exact figure.
Can I use a phone without paying PTA tax?
Only for a short time. Unregistered phones are blocked from SIM service after the allowed period.