The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has brought changes to Pakistan’s telecommunication field. The new rules notified under the “Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations 2021” indicate that only 5 mobile devices can be imported by a person each year for personal use. Moreover, the terminal equipment will include devices with Allocation Codes (TACs) specifically issued by the GSMA and backed with a PTA-issued approval certificate.
The aim behind this step is to limit the import of technical equipment, making consumers consider locally assembled mobile phones and buying them. Recently, a rise in the taxes on imported devices has also been observed. In this respect, we are left with considering our local market. There are some worthy names that we must not forget such as Vivo, Tecno, and Realme, etc.
The exact TAC amendment is as follows:
“Provision of Type Allocation Code (TAC) details (e.g. GSMA TAC Certificate or GSMA TAC Code programmed on applied model device etc.) from GSMA Association in case of the device offering IME1/SIM based functionality. As part {of. evaluation of type approval request PTA will verify applied TAC with ¦GSMA-database and if needed further verification can be asked directly from GSMA for specific TAC. Upon approval of type approval request, all GSMA TAC (excluding those TAC which is placed on a blacklist by the Authority) issued against the specific model to be included”.
Additionally, importing mobile phones will only be approved upon the provision of a compliance certificate to PTA. This is indicated below:
Amendment in regulation 12 of S.R.O. 1492(I)/18 — In the Type Approval-Technical Standards Regulations, 2018, at page 3172, sub-regulation (2) of regulation, 12 of S.R.O 1492(I)/18, shall be substituted and read as follows:” Authority shall allow import of PTA type approved models by all Persons by issuing certificate of compliant to Technical Standards for use within PTA/FAB…”
Furthermore, the Foreign Missions along with High Commissions and Embassies will file the request for Certificate of Compliance (COC) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the import of devices. Applying for the approval of terminal equipment will still be applicable after having the required documents.
The following documents are needed for approval:
- Company registration
- Authorization from the board of directors
- Shareholder details of the board of directors of device manufacturers
In regard to the sale and marketing of terminal equipment in Pakistan, it is necessary to provide customer service or after-sales services for enhanced convenience.
