KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue vide Customs General Order No.01/2019 has notified the procedure for regularization of unregistered mobile devices with SIM/IMEI functionality.
Federal government has approved the extension in launching/operationalization of devices identification, registration and blocking system (DIRBS) with effect from January 15, 2019. In order to facilitate inter-alia the international passengers, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in co-ordination with the cellular mobile operators have devised web-based user interface application in DIRBS for swift registration and prompt payment of leviable duty/taxes for mobile devices brought in accompanied baggage.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) shall provide online application service whereby web-based user interface https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs/auth/login utility can be accessed by international travelers for hassle free registration and payment of duty/taxes against mobile devices imported in accompanied baggage. This utility may also be accessed through franchise of the cellular mobile operators.
The aforesaid utility will guide the applicant about the information required to be submitted for online registration of mobile devices. The system in particular will require the applicant/traveler to submit the details of passport number, computerized national Identity Card (CNIC) number, international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number etc.
The above mentioned information submitted by applicant will be auto processed/validated through WeBOC. The mobile devices will accordingly be cleared by the system in accordance with admissible allowances under the baggage rules, whereby the first mobile phone in a year will be allowed registration/white listing in DIRBS free of duty/taxes.
In case of second or more mobile devices, the system shall electronically generate payment slip ID (PSID) for payment of duty/taxes. The applicant will then have options to pay the leviable duty/taxes through online banking, ATM, mobile banking and bank branches of all leading banks. Once the system confirms the payment of duty/taxes, the mobile device will be white-listed in DIRBS.
The travelers can register the mobile devices brought-in accompanied baggage following above procedure within sixty (60) days of their arrival in Pakistan.
After the expiry of aforesaid time-limit such mobile devices shall be registered on payment of leviable duty/taxes along with prescribed fine notified for the purpose. In these cases baggage free allowance will also not be available.
The local resident may also register the mobile device using above mentioned web-based utility. The applicant will be guided by the system to provide the details of CNIC number, IMEI number of the mobile device seeking registration in DIRBS.
On submission of aforesaid information, the system shall electronically generate PSID for payment of duty/taxes and prescribed fine. The applicant will have options to pay the leviable duty/taxes and fine through online banking, ATM, mobile banking and bank branches of all leading banks.
Once the system confirms the payment of duty/taxes along with fine amount, the mobile device will be white-listed in DIRBS.
All mobile devices imported by the individuals through postal service or courier shall be released on production of Certificate of Compliance issued by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
For the convenience of the importer, the applicant or his authorized agent can apply for CoC to the customs authorities. On receipt of declaration, the Customs authorities shall verify the particulars and process the declaration under PTA module for issuance of online CoC. A system generated CoC shall accordingly be issued by the PTA through aforesaid module.
Upon issuance of CoC, the applicant shall deposit the Custom’s assessed leviable duty/taxes and the detained device will accordingly be released. In case of non-issuance of CoC, the Customs authorities will take further action in accordance with the law in respect of the detained device.
The holder/proprietor of un-registered mobile devices shall voluntarily approach the nearest Collectorate of Customs and file declaration along with soft copy of IMEI details of such devices in excel format. On receipt of declaration, the designated Customs official shall verify the particulars and endorse the stamp on the declaration form and detain the mobile device.
Thereafter, the holder shall file an application supported with duly stamped declaration form before PTA for issuance of CoC along with soft form excel sheet containing IMEI of device(s). The PTA shall process the application in accordance with their procedure and accordingly issue CoC. Upon issuance of CoC, the applicant shall approach the Customs authorities for release of the mobile device. The Customs authorities shall assess the leviable duty / taxes and fine after adjudication proceedings. The holder afterwards shall deposit the duty/taxes along with adjudged fine in the designated branch of National Bank of Pakistan. The mobile devices will be released to the holder accordingly.
In case of non-issuance of CoC, the Customs authorities will take further action in accordance with the law in respect of the detained devices.
All the collectorates are advised to furnish the information regarding regularization of mobile devices brought by local traders by the 5th of every month.
According to PTA’s policy, an individual/passenger can obtain registration for five (05) mobile devices within a year in DIRBS. PTA shall not issue CoC/registration to additional mobile devices exceeding this quantity in a year.
Mobile devices found stolen or having duplicate or invalid IMEI number shall be permanently blocked i.e. black-listed in DIRBS for use of mobile services in Pakistan.
As per PTA policy, a foreign roamer is allowed to continue using foreign SIMs without any time limit and without getting CoC from PTA. If a roamer starts using local SIM in his/her mobile device, he/she will not be considered a roamer and will be required to fulfill the conditions of a compliant device. [the_ad id=”31605″]