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Which devices are exempt from Type Approval in Pakistan?

As per the 2021 Type Approval regulations, only below devices are exempt from Type Approval in Pakistan:

• Networking Equipment (Switches, Firewalls, Servers, Storage Devices)

What are the latest Type Approval Regulations applicable in Pakistan?

The latest Type Approval regulations are enforced by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in March 2021.

Does Pakistan require any marking/logo on Type Approved devices?

Yes, approved devices need to have "Approved by PTA" wording logo along with the Type Approval number on packaging or device.

Why do we need someone locally to present us and to support us with our approval applications?

A trusted local partner can do wonders for you by leveraging their local contacts, local payments handling, local device clearance from customs and local regulation advisory. This is exactly the role we play for you where you do not have to worry about any unknowns in the approvals cycles/process and we handle the approval cases for you end-to-end. Please contact us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM for an obligation free quote specific to your requirements.

Are key less entry systems and remote controls exempted from PTA approval?

No, they are not exempt. Previously they were exempted but as per latest PTA regulations, they need Type Approval. Please see the response to first question above.

What is the lead-time involved for Type Approval certificate issuance?

We ensure that a 4-6 week lead-time is fulfilled for all of our Type approval projects. We work closely with the regulatory authorities in Pakistan throughout the certification process. Please feel free to contact us for any of your upcoming Type approval requirements in Pakistan for an obligation free quotation at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM.

We have changed our company details (name, address etc.) and want to ensure that our Type Approval certificates are also updated. Can you please help with these updates?

Not a problem. We will be pleased to help you with these modification requests. Please contact us with the details at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM.

Does Pakistan allow e-labeling of type approved devices in cloud dashboards?

Yes. E-labeling is allowed for devices that can only have a display hosted in cloud.

Does Pakistan issue specific exemption letters from Type Approval for exempted devices?

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) does not encourage issuance of specific exemption letters. For everyone’s ease and to keep the import of exempted devices easier into the country, PTA have made a general exemption letter (http://www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/list_exempted_items_ta_150118.pdf) available publicly which can be used as required.

Does Pakistan allow voluntary Type Approval certifications?

Yes, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority allows voluntary certifications but delayed lead times are involved for such certifications. Please contact us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM for a tailored quote and guidance on your specific requirements.

Is a device sample compulsorily required with the Type approval application in Pakistan?

Yes, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requires one compulsory device sample along with the Type approval application. Applications submitted without the sample will not be processed and entertained by PTA.

Ok, we have submitted a device along with the Type approval application. Can we get our sample back after the application is processed?

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will only return the sample if documentary evidence from the manufacturer is provided reflecting manufacturing price to be more than USD $2,000. Devices valuing less than USD $2,000 will not be returned by PTA.

Is type approval at module level allowed in Pakistan?

Absolutely. Module level Type Approval is allowed in Pakistan. Please contact us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM for a tailored quote specific to your module Type Approval requirements.

What are the latest Type Approval Regulations applicable in Pakistan?

The latest Type Approval regulations are enforeced by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in March 2021.

What were the major changes in the PTA Type Approval Regulations - December 2018?

The Type Approval regulations were enacted through S.R.O. 1492(I)/18. Summary of Changes as below: 1- Changes to the devices list exempt from Type approval/NOC/COC: The new list contains :

• Networking equipment (switches, firewalls, servers, storage devices)
• Laptops/desktops/personal computer (non- sim based devices)
• Tablet PC with Wifi only Functionality (Non-Sim based devices)
• GPS only devices
• Smart watches with Bluetooth/Wifi functionality only (Without Sim or tracking features)

What are the amendments in Type Approval Technical Regulations - April 2019 about?

The amendment to the Type Approval regulations are enacted through S.R.O. 473(I)/2019. PTA has abolished the practice of pasting specific GSMA TACs with the Type Approval certificate. Now once a particular device is Type Approved by PTA, any entity can import that device in Pakistan and PTA will check the GSMA TAC details of the imported devices at their own end by taking details directly from GSMA database. This change also means that PTA has discounted the practice of adding new GSMA TACs with the issued Type Approval certificates which was previously being entertained.This new regulation will have direct positive impact on all importers in Pakistan where they do not have to worry about the fact that whether any specific GSMA TAC is PTA approved or not. All they have to ensure while importing a device is the fact that device is PTA type approved. PTA will then verify any GSMA TAC details of the shipment by connecting directly with the GSMA database at the time of NOC/COC application. It has also positive impact for manufacturers where they do not have to wait for all required GSMA TACs to be issued and can get the PTA Type Approval process completed based on only one GSMA TAC certificate.

What were the major changes in the PTA Type Approval Regulations - December 2019?

In the revised regulations issued on December 31, 2019, while there are no procedural changes to the Type Approval process, the two mentionable updates are as below:

1- The sample return value limit was previously set by PTA as $3000 which has been revised now to $2000.

2- PTA has officially made the local system testing part of regulation. As part of this system based testing, applicants can also be asked to provide device demo. Clause 5.1.m of Section 2 of the revised regulation reads as:

"As part of type approval evaluation, PTA will perform system based checking e.g. operation system, firmware, output power, programmed frequencies as and when required. PTA may also ask to provide demo of the device to show all the features programmed in the devices and compare the same with submitted test report. This demo may be asked in person or through video conferencing as deemed appropriate."

The full regulation can be seen at this link: https://www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/ta_reg_28022020.pdf

The team at Nano Technology Solutions is available 24/7 to help you with all of your Type Approval requirements in the region.

What are the major changes introduced in the PTA Type Approval 2021 regulations?

1- Changes to the exempt devices list
The new list contains only the below exempt categories:
1- Networking equipment (switches, firewalls, servers, storage devices)
2- Laptops/desktops (non-sim based only)
3- GPS only devices

As a comparison, below two categories previously exempt have now been removed from the exempt list:
1- Tablet PC with Wifi only Functionality (Non-Sim based devices)
2- Smart watches with Bluetooth/Wifi functionality only (Without Sim or tracking features)
It is critical to highlight that given these changes, all Wifi, Bluetooth and RFID equipment will now require Pakistan Type Approval. Please note that SRDs are already subject to Pakistan Type Approval.

2- Ultra Wide Band Devices
Ultra Wide Band devices have now been formally added as a device category requiring Type Approval in Pakistan. 3- Inclusion of 62368 Safety standards 62368 Safety standards are now included in the list of acceptable testing standards.

What is the frequency allocation and distribution in Pakistan?

Pakistan Table of frequency allocations can be seen at this link from Pakistan Frequency Allocation Board: http://www.fab.gov.pk/images/pdf/pakistantable.pdf

Does Pakistan allow Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) approvals?

Yes, Ultra-wide Band (UWB) has been allowed in Pakistan by Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) of Pakistan and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Please feel free to contact us in case of any of your device approval requirements in this band.

Is 433 Mhz open band in Pakistan by PTA?

Yes, 433 Mhz is open band in Pakistan with some output power restrictions for the operating device(s). Please contact us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM for an obligation free assessment and quote for your device type approval operating in 433 Mhz band.

What are the allowed Bands for UHF-RFID applications in Pakistan with allowed power limits?

The allowed UHF bands for RFID applications are as below in Pakistan:

1- 433- 434 Mhz Band

a. Allowed power limit : 0.01 watt to 0.1 watt

2- 2.4 Ghz Band (also the ISM band)

a. Allowed output power upto : 30 dBm

PTA and FAB also consider approvals for RFID applications on case to case basis in the 865-868 Mhz Band. This band is not fully open though due to the interference incidents.

It is anticipated that 900 Mhz band will soon be made open band in Pakistan for RFID applications as well. However, this is at a policy level discussion for now and no official timelines are given by the government authorities for opening this band.

Is 60Ghz WLAN band open in Pakistan (802.11ay) ?

Yes, the 60Ghz WLAN band has recently (Mid 2020) been allowed for public usage and device applications by the Frequency Board of Pakistan. Please feel free to forward your devices approval requirements operating in the 60 Ghz band for an obligation free assessment and quote from us.

What is the ISM band in Pakistan ?

The Approved ISM bands in Pakistan for Wireless equipment are: a. 2.4-2.5 GHz b. 5.725-5.850 GHz The allowed power limit for ISM band is up to 30 dBm.

What are the NOC and/or Certificate of Compliance to Technical Standards used for in Pakistan?

Both NOC and Certificate of Compliance to Technical standards refer to the same document in Pakistan. This document is required to fulfil two purposes: ​ For the clearance of sample devices from Pakistan Customs sent for Type Approval For the clearance of commercial shipment from Pakistan Customs consisting of devices already type approved by PTA. ​ For any queries regarding this certificate, please feel free to contact us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM and we will be glad to help you with your certificate issuance requirements. ​

Which import permits/papers are required in Pakistan to have the shipments of telecommunication devices cleared from Pakistan Customs?

A Certificate of Compliance to Technical Standards (COC) is required from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the clearance of any import shipments containing SIM based devices. Both NOC and Certificate of Compliance to Technical standards refer to the same document in Pakistan. Please feel free to contact us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM and we will be glad to help you with your COC issuance requirements.​

Our consignment/shipment is arriving in Pakistan and we need PTA commercial NOC/COC. Can you help?

Absolutely. Our expert and seasoned team specialises in obtaining commercial NOC/COC [Certificate of Compliance to Technical Standards] for all of your telecom shipments/consignments requiring PTA approvals. Whether the consignment consists of Mobiles, Access Points, Sim based POS machines, Sim based scanners or any other telecom devices, we will be glad to assist you in obtaining the required NOC/COCs from PTA. Please email us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM for an obligation free quote for your consignment's NOC/COC.

What is the lead time involved for PTA NOC/COC Issuance?

We assign dedicated case/account managers on every NOC/COC application knowing the urgency around your shipments clearances and ensure that the NOC/COC gets issued in one (1) week at maximum, once all documents are provided. Please email us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM for an obligation free quote for your consignment's NOC/COC.

Are CE/FCC approvals sufficient or is Pakistan specific certification required?

Pakistan country specific certification is mandatory required. CE/FCC reports form major part of the application package to PTA.

Does Pakistan require local testing for the devices?

Yes, Pakistan requires mandatory local testing for all devices for all applications. This local testing is performed by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) at their local labs. In case of modules or for devices not having User Interface and power supply, PTA can also ask for a device demo showing the power limits, operating frequency and range as programmed within PTA ISM band regulations

Which test reports standards are required for Radio and Mobile equipment?

All mobile phones must comply with ITU-T and European (e.g) ETSI standards and Mobile Equipment should comply with the essential requirements and standards of the European Directive 1999/5/EC with respect to: • Electromagnetic Compatibility • Interoperability • IMEI • Safety Requirements i.e. Mobile Phones are required to comply with a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit of 2 W/Kg of tissue (average over 10 gm). 1- Radio Communication Standards

• EN 301 511: V7.0.2 / ETSI

What is the value addition of Nano Technology Solutions?

Our extensive experience and exposure, spanning over a decade, allows us to solve the following challenges for you:

• Risk mitigation from market launch/access plans by knowing the exact regulatory and approval requirements applicable

We have an upcoming device based on a cutting edge technology and we are not sure if that device will get approval in Pakistan. Can you help us with its approvals?

Absolutely. We specialize in tailored approvals management planning. We also help in preparing customized approval cases and in tabling the case within the right verticals in regulatory bodies substantially improving the cycle time. Please contact us for an obligation free assessment of your unique approval requirements at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM.

We are looking to launch vehicle tracking services and/or value added voice/data services in Pakistan. Do we need any special licences for that?

Yes, Class Value Added Licence will be applicable for providing these services. Please contact us at INFO@NANOTECHSOL.COM for a tailored quote in-line with your requirements.

What is PTA CVAS License ?

The Class Value Added Services License from PTA is required if you are in the business of providing value added voice or data services e.g. vehicle tracking services, Internet services, payphones etc.

What is the validity of CVAS License ?

The CVAS License is granted for a period of fifteen years upon successful evaluaiton of the application by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

What are the requirements for CVAS License application ?

The CVAS License application requirements can be divided into three broad categories: 1- Corporate documentation (Entitity incorporation, SECP documents etc.) 2- Background and Expertise of the entity and stakeholders in the intended business model 3- Business and technical plan including the finer details of operations, financial forecasts and technical operational and support plan.

What is the lead time for CVAS License application ?

A well prepared application package, complete in all regards, has a lead time of 8-12 weeks attached.

Is the CVAS License mandatory for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) ?

Yes, the Class Value Added Services (CVAS) - Data License is mandatory for all ISPs operating in Pakistan. Any ISPs operating without this license can be provided Show Cause notices by PTA at any time with an ultimate threat of getting shut down.

What is the Certificate of Commencement of operations for CVAS License Holders ?

The certificate of commencement of operations is issued to CVAS license holders by PTA once PTA visits the network setup and evaluates that the infrastructure and network deployed is up to the standards, meets the Quality of Service Parameters and consists of PTA approved equipment. Once the CVAS License is issued, the license holder gets 12 months to complete the network setup and to invite PTA for inspection and evaluation.

What is Local Loop License ?

The local loop refers to the last mile connectivity from the network to the end users. This connectivity can be provided through both wired or wireless mediums. The Local Loop License, thus, is provided for both categories i.e. Fixed Local Loop License and Wireless Local Loop License.

When is the Local Loop License required ?

A classic example of requirig Local Loop license will be the scenario where you are an internet services provider and that you intend to roll-out the infrastrcuture required by the end users to connect to the Network. Based on connectivity medium, you will either require the Fixed Local Loop or Wireless Local Loop license.

What are the essential parts of the application for Local Loop License ?

The applicaton for Local loop license should detail the applicant corporate background and prior expertise in telecommunication industry. It should include then a detailed business plan which should outline the operating plan, technical plan and financial plan with forecasts for five years. The quality of support parameters and end-user connectivity arrangements should be part of the application as well. Please contact us at info@nanotechsol.com with your specific Local Loop License requirements.

What is the Certificate of Commencement of Operations for Local Loop License Holders?

The certificate of commencement of operations is issued to Local Loop license holders by PTA once PTA visits the network setup and evaluates that the infrastructure and network deployed is up to the standards, meets the Quality of Service Parameters and consists of PTA approved equipment. Once the Local Loop License is issued, the license holder gets 18 months to complete the network setup and to invite PTA for inspection and evaluation. The original proposal submitted to PTA at the time of License application serves as a benchmark for PTA team to evaluate the network against.

My mobile has been blocked by PTA. What do I do ?

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocks devices and mobiles which are without the payment of duties applicable as imposed by PTA. If your mobile has been blocked by PTA, simply find the IMEI number of your mobile by typing *#06# on the mobile (you can also find the IMEI number on the mobile box) and please send us the IMEI number at info@nanotechsol.com or at 0321-4378896. We will get back to you as soon as possible on how quickly your mobile can be activated again along with details of taxes due.

I need PTA NOC for my mobile.

Sure. PTA NOC can easily be arranged for any mobile set. Please forward us the IMEI number of your mobile(s) at info@nanotechsol.com or at 0321-4378896. You can find the IMEI number of your mobile by typing *#06# on the mobile or can also find the IMEI number on the mobile box.

My mobile is stuck at Pakistan Customs and I need PTA NOC.

Pakistan Customs requires Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)'s NOC for all SIM based devices including mobile phones, tablets, POS machines etc. If your mobile or device is stuck at Pakistan Customs and you require PTA NOC, simply send us the IMEI number of your mobile at info@nanotechsol.com or at 0321-4378896. We will get back to you urgently on the quickest possible timeline to get PTA NOC for your mobile's customs clearance.