Non Custom Mobiles in Pakistan: What They Are and How to Buy
Non Custom mobiles in Pakistan are imported phones that have not had Pakistani customs duty and PTA registration paid on them. They are original international variants, usually box pack, and they cost less upfront than official PTA-approved stock. Every feature and Wi-Fi works normally, but a local SIM works only for a limited time unless the owner registers the phone with PTA's DIRBS and pays the tax set by FBR.
Updated 21 October 2026
What 'Non Custom' means
When a phone is imported officially, customs duty and other taxes are paid and the IMEI is registered with PTA. In the Pakistani market, phones that came in without that step are called Non Custom. The words Non Custom and Non PTA are used for the same thing: the phone has not been registered in DIRBS, so the taxes linked to registration are still unpaid.
The phone itself is the same product sold in Dubai, Singapore, the UK or the USA. It has the brand's original software, original IMEI and the full feature set of that international variant.
Why people buy Non Custom phones
There are a few common reasons: - Lower upfront cost, because duties and taxes are not built into the price - Access to models, colours and storage sizes that are rare as official stock - Newer launches often reach the market earlier as international variants - Many buyers use the phone mainly on Wi-Fi, or as a second phone - Some buyers prefer to pay the PTA tax themselves later, when it suits them
For iPhones in particular, a big share of buyers choose Non PTA units. See our Non PTA iPhone (Non PTA iPhone) page for the current range.
SIM, DIRBS and the 60-day period
PTA's DIRBS system checks the IMEI of every phone on Pakistani networks. According to the DIRBS FAQs, an unregistered phone receives signals for the first 60 days after a SIM is used in it. After that, mobile service stops unless the phone is registered and the tax is paid. Wi-Fi and every other feature keep working.
Overseas Pakistanis and foreigners can use a temporary registration of up to 120 days from their arrival date. These rules come from PTA and FBR and they can change, so confirm on dirbs.pta.gov.pk before relying on them.
Last checked: October 2026.
Non Custom vs PTA approved vs patched
It helps to know three terms: - PTA approved: imported officially or registered later; works with any SIM permanently - Non Custom / Non PTA: original phone, original IMEI, not yet registered; SIM works for a limited time - Patched / JV: someone has tampered with the IMEI or used an unofficial SIM chip so the phone appears to work; PTA treats IMEI tampering as an offence and such phones can be blocked
We sell only genuine Non Custom phones with untouched IMEIs: box pack for Android phones and the iPhone 16 and 17 series, and used units with 95–99% battery health for the iPhone 11 to 15 series. We do not sell patched or JV phones. Our guide iPhone JV vs PTA vs Non PTA (iPhone JV vs PTA vs Non PTA: What Each Term Really Means) explains the risks in detail.
Box pack and international variants
Box pack means a new, sealed phone in its original retail box with the accessories that the brand ships in that region. Accessories differ by region. Recent iPhones, for example, come with a USB-C cable but no charger in any country, while some Android brands still include a charger in certain markets.
International variants can also differ in SIM setup. US iPhones from the iPhone 14 onwards are eSIM only, while many other regions keep a physical SIM tray. Samsung and other Android phones may come as single SIM or dual SIM depending on region. Check the model page or ask us before ordering if this matters to you. Read more in box pack mobile meaning (Box Pack Mobile Meaning in Pakistan).
How to check a Non Custom phone when it arrives
Spend a few minutes on these checks: - Match the IMEI on the box with Settings and with *#06# - Check the box seal and the condition of the phone - For iPhones, check Settings > General > About and the Parts and Service History section - Test cameras, speakers, microphone, charging and Wi-Fi - Insert your SIM and confirm it connects - Send the IMEI to 8484 by SMS to see its DIRBS status
Our guide on how to check a new or used phone (How to Check if a Mobile Phone Is New or Used) has a full checklist.
Registering a Non Custom phone with PTA
If you want permanent SIM service, you can register the phone through the DIRBS website, by dialling *8484#, or at an operator franchise. FBR generates a PSID with the tax amount, which you pay through a bank; after payment the IMEI is whitelisted. The tax depends on the phone's value in US dollars and on whether you use a passport or CNIC. Full steps are in how to register a mobile with PTA (How to Register Your Mobile with PTA (DIRBS Guide)).
Before you decide, compare the Non Custom price plus the tax with the price of official stock for the same model. For budget and mid-range phones the tax is usually modest, while for flagships it can be a large amount, so the choice depends on the phone and on how you plan to use it.
Buying Non Custom mobiles from us
Our Android phones and iPhone 16 and 17 series are Non Custom box pack; our iPhone 11 to 15 series are used Non PTA units with 95–99% battery health. To order, you pay a 50% advance and the remaining 50% to the courier on delivery. We do not offer cash on delivery or installment plans. Delivery takes 48–72 hours after the advance payment, to any city in Pakistan. You get a 7-day checking warranty to test the phone properly.
Current prices are shown on each model page. Start with Non Custom mobiles (All Non Custom Mobiles) or browse by brand, such as Samsung mobiles (Samsung prices) and Apple mobiles (iPhone prices).
