 has revised customs values for used and old mobile phones, a move expected to reduce PTA taxes .){kind=link}
ISLAMABAD, 23 Jan (ABC)-: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised customs values for used and old mobile phones, a move expected to reduce Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes and make imported smartphones more affordable.
The Directorate General of Customs Valuation in Karachi updated the valuation of 62 models from major brands including Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus. The changes bring customs values closer to international resale prices, reflecting realistic depreciation rather than domestic retail rates.
For Apple devices, the revision is particularly significant. iPhone valuations have been reduced between 32% and 89%. For instance, the iPhone 13 ProMax now carries a customs value of $290, down from $450, while the iPhone 12 Pro’s valuation dropped from $280 to $155. Older models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS also saw substantial reductions.
High-end used models, including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series, were included in the new schedule. For the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the PTA tax under the revised valuation is set at Rs50,604 via CNIC and Rs44,984 via passport, bringing the total expected market price to around Rs175,000. Other Apple models such as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have also seen PTA taxes adjusted downward, with total market prices ranging from Rs130,000 to Rs145,000.
Samsung Galaxy models were set between $41 and $255, Google Pixel phones between $98 and $260, and OnePlus devices between $65 and $184, depending on the model.
Officials said the earlier valuation framework had caused disputes at the import stage, including disagreements over pricing, grading of used devices, and under-invoicing claims, which delayed clearances and increased costs for consumers.
By aligning customs values with actual market rates and applying uniform values irrespective of a phone’s physical condition, authorities aim to reduce import costs, improve supply, and ease price pressures in the secondary mobile phone market.
Policymakers noted that the changes could benefit students, freelancers, gig workers, and lower-income users who rely on used smartphones for internet access, digital payments, and online work. They argued that while tax collection per handset may decrease, broader economic benefits such as higher smartphone penetration and increased digital participation outweigh immediate revenue concerns.