The Pakistan Type approval system is based on the European Union (EU) conformity procedures. We collaborate with local partners registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in Islamabad to help get the product approved for the local market. We are here to help you understand the features of your product or technology and identify which requirements are relevant to you and where to focus in order to meet current regulations on electrical safety, EMC, and radio testing.
| Concerned Authority | PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) |
| Requirement | Obligatory |
| Certification Validity Period | Unlimited Validity |
| In-Country Testing | Yes |
| In-Country Representation | Required |
| Average Time to Get Type Approval | 3 weeks |
| Labelling Requirement | Yes |
| Country Calling Code | +92 |
| Capital | Islamabad |
| Currency | Pakistani Rupees |
| Population | 250 million |
What is PTA Type Approval in Pakistan
Type Approval involves the checking and evaluation of any telecommunication equipment to ensure it meets the relevant country’s regulations and guidance, which is necessary to ensure that:
- The telecommunication equipment amount does not violate the country-wide standard
- Works on the permitted national frequency bands
- Does not include covert/secret functions embedded in the instrument
- The radio emissions level are in compliance with the permitted standards in the country
Key Requirements for PTA Type Approval
As specified in the PTA Type Approval process, here are the few key requirements:
- Documents to attach with Application
- Application with device (sample) required
- The applicant shall pay all fees due
- All IMEI based devices to have GSMA Type Approval code
Some of the key documents that are needed along with the application include the User Manual, Operating/technical description, etc., Declaration of Conformity (DoC) listing as well the relevant test reports including those for EMC, RF and Safety/Health.
Please note that provision of device sample (along however complete accessories of a device) is a must submit with PTA Type Approval application package too.
But in certain exceptional situations Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) might exempt the entry of the device with the application. For example, devices with ultra-high value (advanced manufacturing cost > US $2,000) and devices with ultra-large size. However, there can be other exemption cases as well depending on the discretion of PTA.
NOC/COC Requirements for SIM-Based Type Approval Samples
Note: NOC is ‘No Objection Certificate’ and COC is ‘Certificate of Compliance’ with Technical Standards
Whitelist of All Cellular Devices With IMEI Numbers Is Regulated by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) This whitelisting is done by giving NOC/COC to the applicant.
In view of this IMEI whitelisting rule, COC is also required for all the Type Approval samples with IMEI numbers at the time of Customs clearance in Pakistan.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has permitted the import of a maximum of five devices by any one entity for the purpose of testing & trial and onwards submission to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for Type Approval process.
Online application process of commercial whitelisting of devices will be filed through PTA DIRBS portal.
Equipment Exemptions for PTA Type Approval
Specifically exempted equipment is the equipment which do not require Type Approval in Pakistan and may be imported and manufactured in the country without the PTA Type Approval.
According to the latest PTA type approval regulation of 2021, below mentioned devices are not required to get a Type Approval process:
a. Networking Equipment, such as Switches and Firewalls, Servers and Storage Devices
b. Non-Sim based Laptops/desktops
c. GPS only devices
d. Non-Sim based Tablets with Wifi Functionality
e. Non-Sim based Smart Watches with Wifi/Bluetooth Functionality
Getting Your Certificate Issued
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) can issue the Type approval certificate to the applicant as soon as application is found complete in all of the below aspects:
- Filled application form in full and accurate details containing provision where required
- Connect DOC verification with the necessary EMC, RF and Safety /Health test reports
- Alignment of the technical specifications in the technical documents for the device with the DoC and the device test reports
- All Device sample testing has been completed as per Authority requirement
The PTA Type Approval certificate is issued for unlimited validity.
Re-approval is only necassary if they are a hardware level change found in the device by the applicant/manufacturer.
Pakistan Type Approval regulation does not require Re-approval in cases where only software upgrades/updates are implemented by manufacturer in device.
How DataX International Simplifies the PTA Approval Process
DataX International makes the PTA Type Approval easy and hassle free! From collaborating with local partners registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to obtaining the approval of your telecom equipment we take care of everything from start to finish. Let us handle the red tape and regulation, so you can leave the hassle behind and focus on your business.
We hope our guide on Pakistan Type Approval has been helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@dataxinternational.com.