ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has restricted import of new phones including cellular phones without proper International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEIs). The Board has issued instructions to the Collectors of Customs Model Customs Collectorates regarding the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s order dated 29.4.2013 in suo moto case No 16 of 2011 (regarding Law & Order situation in Karachi), restricting imports of phones without proper IMEIs.
The Collectors of Customs are directed to adhere to the above directive. Following the new instructions, the Customs Department would not allow clearance of imported phones without proper IMEIs. IMEIs would be helpful in verifying whether the phone has been legally imported or not.