Pakistan’s Certificate of Compliance (CoC): What It Means for Market Entry

Obtaining PTA Type Approval is an important step when bringing telecommunications equipment into Pakistan. However, depending on the product and the applicable regulations, a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) may also be required to complete the relevant import or compliance process.

The important thing is to identify the correct procedure before preparing an application or arranging a shipment. Pakistan has different CoC procedures for eligible SIM/IMEI-based devices, non-SIM-based terminal devices and equipment covered by the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024. Each follows its own requirements, so understanding the difference can help avoid unnecessary delays and documentation problems.

Which CoC Procedure Applies?

The following table provides a quick overview of the three pathways and their main requirements.

CoC pathway	Equipment covered	Main requirements
SIM/IMEI-based devices	Eligible mobile phones, trackers, tablets and POS devices	PTA Type Approval, IMEI information and customs documentation
Non-SIM-based terminal devices	Eligible non-SIM devices with PTA Type Approval	Prescribed application form and supporting documents
Equipment under the 2024 Regulations	Telecommunications equipment falling within the Regulations’ scope	Applicable test reports, Declaration of Conformity and technical and shipment documents

The applicable procedure depends on the equipment category and the relevant PTA requirements. Here is a closer look at each pathway.

1. CoC for SIM/IMEI-Based Devices

Eligible SIM/IMEI-based devices that have already received PTA Type Approval follow the CoC procedure through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

Importers submit the required IMEI information and supporting import documents through the system. DIRBS validates the information and forwards the relevant application details to the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) WeBOC customs system.

Once the required customs clearance is completed, the CoC is issued and the applicable device IMEIs are whitelisted.

This procedure covers eligible devices such as mobile phones, trackers, tablets and point-of-sale (POS) machines. Importers should confirm the current documentation requirements and ensure that the submitted IMEI information matches the shipment.

2. CoC for Non-SIM-Based Terminal Devices

Non-SIM-based terminal devices that have already received PTA Type Approval follow a separate CoC procedure.

Under the published Trade Information Portal of Pakistan (TIPP) guidance, applicants must complete the prescribed application form and submit it with the required supporting documents through PTA’s specified email process.

PTA reviews the application and issues the CoC once the applicable requirements are satisfied.

The key point is that this procedure is different from the DIRBS-based process used for eligible SIM/IMEI-based devices. Applicants should check the current PTA guidance to confirm which documents are needed for their particular equipment.

3. CoC Under the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024

The Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024, notified through S.R.O. 1110(I)/2026, establish technical compliance requirements and a CoC application procedure for equipment within their scope.

Under Regulation 5, applicants must submit applicable test reports and supporting documents, including a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), shipping documents, customs port details, technical literature and an end-to-end network connectivity diagram. PTA may also request additional information.

Manufacturers and importers should consult the Gazette notification and current PTA guidance to confirm whether their equipment falls within this framework and which procedure applies.

Important: These three pathways have different scopes and documentation requirements. The notification of the 2024 Regulations does not, by itself, establish that the earlier terminal-device procedures have been replaced. Where the applicable route is unclear, confirm the requirements with PTA before proceeding.

Pakistan CoC: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)?

A Certificate of Compliance is issued under the relevant regulatory procedure. In Pakistan, the purpose of the certificate and the documents required to obtain it depend on the equipment category and the applicable PTA requirements.

Is a CoC the same as PTA Type Approval?

No. PTA Type Approval concerns the approval of an equipment model, while a CoC relates to the applicable compliance procedure.

Under the published procedures for eligible SIM/IMEI-based and non-SIM-based terminal devices, the required PTA Type Approval must already be in place before applying for the CoC. Equipment covered by the 2024 Regulations must be assessed against the requirements of that framework.

When is a CoC required in Pakistan?

A CoC is required when the applicable regulatory procedure mandates it. After obtaining Type Approval, importers should check whether a CoC is also needed for their equipment and shipment to complete the relevant import or customs clearance process.

Is a CoC the same as an NOC?

No. A Certificate of Compliance and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) serve different regulatory purposes. The required document depends on the equipment and the procedure applicable to it.

What documents are required for a CoC?

The requirements vary by pathway.

• SIM/IMEI-based devices: Documents and information may include an IMEI file in CSV format, PTA Type Approval details, a valid FBR WeBOC account, airway bill information, commercial invoice details and the applicable HS code.

• Non-SIM-based devices: Applicants should prepare the prescribed application form and supporting documents specified by PTA.

• Equipment covered by the 2024 Regulations: Requirements include the applicable DoC, test reports, shipping documents, customs port details, technical literature and an end-to-end network connectivity diagram.

Always check the latest official guidance for the complete list of documents applicable to your product.

How to Prepare for a CoC Application

A little preparation can help prevent avoidable issues during the application and import process. Before submitting an application or arranging a shipment, manufacturers and importers should:

• Identify the correct pathway. Confirm whether the equipment falls under the SIM/IMEI-based procedure, the non-SIM-based procedure or the 2024 Regulations.

• Check Type Approval status. For the two established terminal-device procedures, verify that the required PTA Type Approval is already in place.

• Prepare the supporting documents. Gather the relevant IMEI data, test reports, conformity documents and shipment details.

• Check for inconsistencies. Ensure that model numbers, technical specifications, device identifiers and shipping documents match.

• Follow the correct submission process. Use DIRBS for eligible SIM/IMEI-based imports, PTA’s specified email process for eligible non-SIM-based devices, or the procedure applicable to equipment covered by the Regulations.

Checking these details early can help identify missing information before it affects the application or shipment.

How Nano Technology Solutions Can Help

Understanding the applicable CoC procedure is an important part of preparing telecommunications equipment for the Pakistani market. Getting the documentation right is equally important, particularly when different procedures apply to different product categories.

Nano Technology Solutions supports manufacturers and importers with telecom regulatory compliance, Type Approval and market access requirements. Depending on the project, our team can help identify the relevant approval pathway, review technical documentation and coordinate regulatory submissions.

If you are planning to import telecommunications equipment into Pakistan, confirming the applicable CoC requirements before shipment is a practical way to prepare for the compliance process.

For support with Pakistan PTA Type Approval and telecom regulatory requirements, contact info@nanotechsol.com.