FBR issues procedure for regularization of unregistered mobile devices

FBR issues procedure for regularization of unregistered mobile devices

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday issued procedure for the regularization of unregistered mobile devices with SIM/IMEI functionality.

The FBR issued Customs General Order (CGO) No. of 2019 dated January 28, 2019, stating that the 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 the international passengers, 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.

The FBR said that the following procedures shall be followed for the registration of the mobile devices brought in by International travelers in their accompanied baggage or mobile devices available with individual who is not a traveler or such devices imported by individual through postal/ courier service and registration of these devices by local traders:-

A. REGISTRATION OF MOBILE DEVICES BY INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

(i) 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;

(ii) 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;

(iii) 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 itn a year will be allowed registration/white listing in DIRBS free of duty/taxes;

(iv) 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;

(v) The travelers can register the mobile devices brought-in accompanied baggage following above procedure within sixty (60) days of their arrival in Pakistan;

(vi) After the expiry of aforesaid time-limit such mobile devices shall be registered on payment of leviable duty/taxes alongwith prescribed fine notified for the purpose. In these cases baggage free allowance will also not be available.

B. REGISTRATION OF MOBILE DEVICES BY LOCAL APPLICANT

(i) 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;

(ii) 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;

(iii) | Once the system confirms the payment of duty/taxes alongwith fine amount, the mobile device will be white-listed in DIRBS;

C. REGISTRATION OF MOBILE DEVICES IMPORTED BY INDIVIDUALS THROUGH POSTAL SERVICE OR COURIER

(i) All mobile devices imported by the Individuals through Postal Service or courier shall be released on production of Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by PTA;

(ii) For the convenience of the importer, the applicant or his authorized agent can apply for CoC to the customs authorities as per format;

(iii) 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;

(iv) Upon issuance of CoC, the applicant shall deposit the Custom’s assessed leviable duty/taxes and the detained device will accordingly be released;

(v) 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.

D. REGISTRATION OF MOBILE DEVICES IMPORTED ILLEGALLY THROUGH INFORMAL CHANNELS BY LOCAL TRADERS

(i) The holder/proprietor of un-registered mobile devices shall voluntarily approach the nearest Collectorate of Customs and file declaration alongwith soft copy of IMEI details of such devices in excel format;

(ii) 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;

(iii) Thereafter, the holder shall file an application supported with duly stamped declaration form before PTA for issuance of CoC alongwith soft form excel sheet containing IMEI of device(s). The PTA shall process the application in accordance with their SoP and accordingly issue CoC;

(iv) 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 alongwith adjudged fine in the designated branch of National Bank of Pakistan. The mobile devices will be released to the holder accordingly;

(v) 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;

(vi) All the Collectorates are requested to furnish the information regarding regularization of mobile devices brought by local traders in the format detailed hereunder by the 5th of every month.

The FBR said that the procedure shall be applicable in suppression of the earlier procedure notified through CGO 06 of 2019 dated November 29, 2018.