FBR Introduces New Online System for Regularizing Unregistered Mobile Phones

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has released a detailed process designed to help business importers conform with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requirements by regulating unregistered mobile phones with SIM/IMEI functionality.

As described in the revised Customs General Order (CGO) No. 01 of 2019 (as per CGO 1 of 2024), the FBR clarified how to register mobile devices that are imported for business use with the PTA.

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The updated guidelines mandate that commercial importers get a Certificate of Clearance (COC) for devices that have already gained type clearance by following the process outlined by the PTA.

Commercial importers must register using the PTA Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) online portal, available at dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs, and upload all required papers by the approved PTA procedure.

Online PTA Procedure

The system thoroughly verifies the IMEI numbers after the application is filed through DIRBS to guarantee conformity with type-approved models and to avoid dealing with stolen, duplicated, or cloned devices. The application is then sent to the FBR WeBOC system to be processed further.

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After that to finish the FBR/Customs procedure, applicants must log into their WeBOC accounts. The DIRBS system automatically creates a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the submitted application after it is approved by the FBR in WeBOC.

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This simplified procedure makes it easier to import and sell mobile devices legally in Pakistan while also guaranteeing compliance with regulations. It emphasizes the FBR priority of maintaining conformity to regulations in the telecoms industry while promoting efficiency and transparency in trade processes.

The following is the process to open a commercial DIRBS account:

Step 1: click the link.

Step 2: Select the Sign Up option.

Step 3: Select the Commercial option from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Enter the sign Up credentials that are needed.

Step 5: To activate the account send an email to [email protected]. The account will be approved once the entered credentials have been verified.

Step 6: To apply for CoC and log into your account.

The list of only IMEIs in CSV format along with all supporting documentation must be uploaded by the applicant.