FBR introduces new registration process for mobile phones

Overseas Pakistanis can bring one cellphone without paying duties

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a procedure for the regularisation and registration of unregistered mobile phones, brought illegally on behalf of businesses and individuals, by paying duties and taxes online.

As per the policy, overseas Pakistanis can bring along with them only one mobile phone without paying duties and taxes. The phone will be registered in the white list of the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) without payment of duties and taxes, while mobile phone sellers will have to pay duties and taxes as well as fines for registration of the phones as per the adjudication process.

The FBR on Monday issued a Customs General Order in this regard. The procedure has replaced the Customs General Order issued on November 29 last year. The federal government launched DIRBS on January 15, according to which phones not matching the white list will be blocked.

In order to facilitate international travellers, the FBR and PTA have introduced a web-based user interface application for registration in DIRBS after payment of taxes and duties. International travellers will be able to bring phones in their luggage, registered through the online app. Similarly, those who get their mobiles through postal or courier services, as well as mobile sellers, can also get the mobiles registered following the procedure laid down on the website developed by PTA.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2019.

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