Frequently asked questions (Updated 10th October 2020)
Type Approval
Which devices are exempted from Type Approval in Pakistan?
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Networking Equipment (Switches, Firewalls, Servers, Storage Devices)
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Laptops /Desktops/Personal Computer (PC)
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Tablet PC with Wifi only Functionality (Non-Sim based devices)
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GPS only devices
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Smart Watches with Bluetooth / Wi-fi functionality only (Without SIM or Tracking Features)
What are the latest Type Approval Regulations applicable in Pakistan?
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 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.
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.
Regulations
What are the latest Type Approval Regulations applicable in Pakistan?
What were the major changes in the PTA Type Approval Regulations - December 2018?
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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?
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.
Frequency Bands
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, recently (in the first quarter of 2020), Ultra-wide Band (UWB) has been allowed in Pakistan by Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) of Pakistan and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
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.
What is the ISM band in Pakistan ?
Import Permit/NOC/COC
What are the NOC and/or Certificate of Compliance to Technical Standards used for in Pakistan?
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.
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.
Testing Requirements and Test Reports
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.
Which test reports standards are required for Radio and Mobile equipment?
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EN 301 511: V7.0.2 / ETSI
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EN 301 908-1
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EN 301 908-2
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ETSI EN 301489-1 for 1.5/1.6 GHz
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ETSI EN 301489-17 for 2.4 ,5 GHz
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EN 301 489-01: v1.3.1 / v1.4.1
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EN 301 489-07: v1.1.1 / v1.2.1
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Safety: IEC 60950-1
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EN 50360 / CENELEC - SAR Limit standard
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EN 50361 / CENELEC SAR Measurement Method standard
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EN 60950 Safety of Information technologies Equipment.
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EN 62209-1: 2005
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ETSI EN 301502 Harmonized EN for GSM
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ETSI EN 301511
General
What is the value addition of Nano Technology Solutions?
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Risk mitigation from market launch/access plans by knowing the exact regulatory and approval requirements applicable
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Avoidance of back and forth lengthy communication with the regulatory bodies
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Lack of knowledge around the appropriate contacts in the government bodies involved in the approval process.
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Lack of knowledge of the approval process itself on government agencies side presenting potential risks and time delay challenges
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Setting up local mobiles assembly line and not knowing the required approvals and process
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Clearance of equipment and devices from the customs department
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Lack of knowledge around the device import process into country
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Lack of knowledge around the exact costs involved in the approval process so that there are no surprises and so that costs/approvals budgeting can take place effectively
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.
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.
Class Value Added Services (CVAS) License
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:
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.
Local Loop License
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.
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.
Mobile NOC
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.
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.