Pakistan has introduced significant changes to how mobile phone import taxes and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) charges are calculated, potentially lowering costs for both importers and buyers in 2026. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi issued Valuation Ruling No. 2035 of 2026, updating customs values for 62 types of used mobile phones to better reflect current international market prices. This move aligns with recent efforts described as relieving the so-called PTA tax burden on imported phones, particularly used devices.
Under the revised system, customs duties and PTA-linked taxes will be calculated based on fixed values set by customs authorities, regardless of the phone’s physical condition or cosmetic grade. Earlier valuations had remained unchanged for more than 18 months, creating a growing gap between declared values and real prices in global markets. The new ruling covers phones from major brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus, with customs valuations adjusted downward for many models.
For example, the updated valuation lists the used iPhone 15 Pro Max at $460 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at $255, figures significantly lower than previous estimates. Other models such as the Pixel 7, OnePlus 11, and older iPhones also received revised valuations. When customs values drop, the total tax payable — including PTA registration charges — also decreases automatically, making legal import and registration more affordable for ordinary buyers.
Importers must meet one key requirement to benefit from this change: the used phone must have been activated at least six months before export to Pakistan. Customs officers will verify activation data during clearance to prevent misuse of the ruling and protect government revenue.
The revision has drawn interest from mobile buyers and traders across major Pakistani technology markets, including Saddar (Karachi) and Hafeez Center (Lahore), where used phone demand remains high due to the relatively steep prices of brand-new devices. For many middle-income consumers, lower taxes could make quality used phones more accessible while encouraging compliance with PTA’s registration requirements.
However, amid reports of tax reprieve on social media and messaging platforms, the PTA has clarified that no universal tax reduction notification has been issued directly by the regulator. The authority emphasised that tax relief stems from the new customs valuation and not a separate directive reducing mobile taxation for all importers or consumers. The PTA warned against fake notices and urged the public to rely on official channels for accurate updates.
The broader context includes ongoing discussions about the impact of high mobile taxes on smartphone affordability and 5G rollout plans. Telecom experts have previously noted that heavy taxation could slow adoption of newer devices and services, especially as Pakistan prepares for 5G spectrum auctions and future network upgrades.
In summary, although PTA has not formally slashed mobile taxation across the board, the updated customs values represent a meaningful tax adjustment that could lower prices for used phones in Pakistan. This development may reduce reliance on non-compliant imports, encourage more legal registrations, and gradually improve mobile affordability in the market.
