ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised customs values for imported old and used mobile phones, a move expected to significantly reduce PTA taxes and lower prices for consumers.
According to the new valuation issued by the Karachi-based directorate, customs values for 62 mobile phone models from four major brands — Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus — have been reduced or fixed for the first time. The revision is aimed at aligning valuations with international resale prices rather than domestic retail rates.
Under the updated framework, iPhone valuations have been cut by 32% to 89%, paving the way for substantial reductions in PTA taxes. Models such as the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 series now fall within an assessed range of approximately $95 to $295, depending on generation and specifications.
Higher-end used models, including iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 variants, have also been incorporated, while older devices nearing end-of-life have been granted deeper depreciation. Officials say the revised values better reflect realistic depreciation trends in global resale markets.
Customs values for Samsung Galaxy devices have been set between $40 and $255, while Google Pixel phones range from $30 to $260. OnePlus models have been valued between $60 and $185, depending on the model.
Officials involved in the valuation process said the previous framework caused repeated disputes at ports, including disagreements over uplifted values, grading of used devices, and allegations of under-invoicing. These issues delayed clearances and increased costs, which were ultimately passed on to consumers.
By applying uniform customs values regardless of physical condition, the new ruling aims to lower import costs, improve supply, and ease price pressures in Pakistan’s secondary mobile phone market.
Policymakers believe the move will benefit students, freelancers, gig workers, and low-income users, who rely heavily on used smartphones for internet access, digital payments, education, and online work.
Although the revision will reduce tax collection per handset at the import stage, officials argue that improved affordability will boost smartphone penetration, enhance productivity, and expand participation in Pakistan’s digital economy.
As an example, the customs valuation for the iPhone 13 Pro Max has been reduced from $450 to $290, while the iPhone 13 Pro has been revised from $360 to $225. Similar reductions apply across the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 series.
Under the revised rates, PTA taxes on the iPhone 15 series have also declined. A used iPhone 15, priced at around $350, is expected to cost approximately Rs130,000 after PTA taxes, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max may reach around Rs175,000, depending on registration method.
Officials say the success of the policy will be assessed over time through indicators such as digital access, productivity gains, and broader economic participation rather than immediate revenue figures.