FBR Makes Paying Imported Phone Tax Easier

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has implemented a new policy that simplifies the process for individuals to pay sales tax on imported mobile phones in manageable monthly instalments. This change, introduced through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), expands upon the existing 2019 order (Customs General Order No. 06 of 2026) to make registration more accessible.

Eligible applicants, falling under paragraphs A, B, and C of the existing order, can now choose to pay the tax in equal monthly instalments, calculated based on the number of months left in the financial year, including the month of application submission. However, those importing a phone in June must settle the entire tax by the end of that month.

The first instalment must be paid through a Payment Slip ID (PSID) generated at the time of application submission. Following months' instalments will be payable through separate PSIDs generated on the designated date of each subsequent month. In cases where a specific date does not exist within a month, the PSID will be generated for the final day of that month.

Individuals have the option to pre-pay some or all of the remaining tax. The FBR emphasizes that failing to meet an instalment deadline will result in the individual being classified as a defaulter. Consequently, the phone will be deemed unregistered and blocked through DIRBS, with the entire outstanding sales tax becoming immediately payable. Once classified as a defaulter, the individual will no longer be permitted to pay the remaining amount in instalments.