Highlights
- The PTA tax for CNIC holders and Passport holders varies (check the tables at the end for a breakdown).
- If you do not pay the PTA tax on an imported mobile device, PTA will block it.
- To check your PTA tax for a mobile device, you can dial the USSD code *8484# from your SIM.
Pakistan has faced many tax-related issues over the decades due to a lack of proper regulatory bodies. A few years ago, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) rose to the surface and set the ground rules for mobile device imports. According to laws, mobile users coming from abroad have to pay certain tax amounts (as declared by the government) to use the devices locally. If not complied, the devices will be blocked by PTA. With such restrictions taking action, users have been super conscious about importing mobile devices into the country. If you have a foreign relative sending you a mobile device or bringing it along to Pakistan, you may want to know the PTA tax rate list in Pakistan as of 2023 to avoid problems down the road. To help you learn all the information you need, we have covered everything below.
The Role of PTA
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is the regulatory body for the telecommunication sector in Pakistan. It was established in 1996 under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act to promote and develop the telecommunications industry, ensuring its availability and accessibility to all. The primary role of the PTA is to regulate and monitor the provision of telecommunications services and ensure their quality, reliability, and affordability for consumers.
The PTA is responsible for the licensing of telecommunication companies and overseeing their compliance with regulations, standards, and policies. It also regulates the use of radio frequencies and the allocation of spectrum to ensure the efficient use of limited resources. The PTA also promotes competition in the market and protects the interests of consumers by setting and enforcing rules on service quality, customer service, and pricing.
PTA Tax Rate List 2023
Tax for CNIC Holders
| $1 to $30 | PKR. 550 |
| $31 to $100 | PKR. 4323 |
| $101 to $200 | PKR. 11561 |
| $201 to $350 | PKR. 14661 + 17% Sales Tax Ad Valorem |
| $351 to $500 | PKR. 23420 + 17% Sales Tax Ad Valorem |
| $501 and above | PKR. 37007 + 17% Sales Tax Ad Valorem |
Tax for Passport Holders
| $1 to $30 | PKR. 430 |
| $31 to $100 | PKR. 3200 |
| $101 to $200 | PKR. 25,000 |
| $201 to $350 | PKR. 12200 + 17% Sales Tax Ad Valorem |
| $351 to $500 | PKR. 17800 + 17% Sales Tax Ad Valorem |
| $501 and above | PKR. 36870 + 17% Sales Tax Ad Valorem |
FAQs
What is the PTA Tax for Mobile Devices Up to $200?
The PTA tax for mobile devices up to $200 is PKR 25,000 for passport holders and PKR 11,561 for CNIC holders.
How to Check PTA Tax from Mobile?
To check your PTA tax from your mobile device, you can dial the USSD code *8484# and get the tax information.
