Foreign roamer allowed to continue using foreign SIMs without any time limit: FBR

Foreign roamer allowed to continue using foreign SIMs without any time limit: FBR

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has clarified that a foreign roamer is allowed to continue using foreign SIMs without any time limit and without getting certificate of compliance with technical standards (CoC) from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The FBR has issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) to clarify various issues relating to the mobile phones.

Following are the questions and answers responded by the FBR: Question: "I am roaming in Pakistan; will I be able to use my mobile device in Pakistan?" Answer: "Yes, roamers will be able to use their mobile devices as per DIRBS SOP. The system will accommodate visitors to Pakistan from overseas who are here for a short visit for personal or business purpose as following:

i. "A foreign roamer is allowed to continue using foreign SIMs without any time limit and without getting CoC from PTA. ii. "If a roamer starts using local SIM in his/her mobile device, he/she will not be considered a roamer and will be required to fulfil the conditions of a compliant device.

iii. "Such user will be notified of the deficiency of his/her mobile device through SMS and will have 30 days to complete the requirements before the non-compliant mobile device is blocked.

iv. "If the visitor wants to use local SIM for a period longer than 30 days, he/she is required to get the CoC from PTA along with payment of duty/taxes."

Another questioner asked if he could bring one mobile phone into Pakistan without payment of duty/taxes.

The answer was in affirmative, saying a passenger is allowed to bring one mobile phone without payment of duty/taxes provided his/her stay abroad is more than seven days. Such allowance will only be admissible once during the year.

Another questioner asked if he brings more than one mobile phone, whether or not he needs to pay duty/taxes. He was replied in affirmative, saying only one mobile phone will be allowed free of duty/taxes. In case of other mobile phones, applicable duty/taxes will be paid.

One questioner asked if he would have to pay duty/taxes on a mobile phone which he has been using in Pakistan after returning from abroad. The reply was in negative, saying a mobile phone in personal use of a passenger, which has been activated/registered in Pakistan does not require registration/payment of duty/taxes on his/her return to Pakistan being a case of re-import of baggage. Such a case will be treated independent of the allowances admissible to mobile devices under the baggage rules.

Another questioner asked, "How and where can I register my mobile device if I forget to declare the same on arrival at the airport?"

The FBR replied that the passenger can approach the nearest customs office for registration of the mobile device within 15 days of the arrival date.

Another questioner asked, "Can I avail the allowances admissible under the baggage rules if I forget to declare at the time of arrival at airport?" The reply was in affirmative, saying the international passenger can avail admissible allowances at the time of registration at the customs office.

Source:  Business Recorder