In a significant update for technology importers and Apple enthusiasts across Pakistan, the Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs duties for the newly launched iPhone 16 series, as well as 186 other Apple iPhone models. Issued under Valuation Ruling No. 1909 of 2025, the revised customs values are now applicable and are expected to directly influence the local pricing of Apple smartphones.
According to the updated valuation, the iPhone 16 lineup will now be taxed at new rates based on storage capacity and model type. The base model, iPhone 16 with 128GB storage, will carry a customs duty of Rs. 186,100, while higher-end versions like the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 1TB storage will face a duty of Rs. 412,500. Other models, including the iPhone 16c, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and Pro Max variants, also saw adjusted duties in line with their respective market values. Additionally, revised duties have also been introduced for the iPhone 15 series, with the 128GB iPhone 15 now valued at Rs. 168,600 for customs purposes, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max models ranging up to Rs. 358,000 depending on specifications.
This wide-scale update follows stakeholder feedback and consultations initiated by customs authorities, including a formal request from the Collectorate of Customs (Airport) Islamabad. Authorities noted that the previous customs valuations had become outdated and were no longer in line with prevailing global market conditions. Many of the older iPhone models included in the ruling have reached End of Life (EOL) status internationally and required updated depreciation adjustments.
In response, the Directorate conducted a thorough review of current international pricing trends, local import data, and the depreciation rate of discontinued devices. The reevaluation was carried out under the provisions of the Customs Act of 1969, particularly Sections 25 and 25A, which empower the Directorate to reassess valuations in accordance with current market realities. Multiple rounds of consultations were held with importers and key stakeholders to ensure that the new customs values fairly reflect global pricing benchmarks.
The updated customs duties now apply uniformly to all iPhone imports into Pakistan, regardless of their country of origin. The final list, detailed in Annexure-I of the ruling, includes models from the iPhone 11 up to the latest iPhone 16 series. This move is part of a broader strategy by the government to align customs policies with international standards while also improving transparency and accuracy in import assessments.
The updated ruling is expected to have mixed implications. For importers, the clear and updated valuation structure offers better predictability. However, the higher duties on newer models might also lead to increased retail prices, potentially affecting consumer access to premium devices. Retailers may need to recalibrate their pricing strategies in response, while consumers could see greater variation in costs depending on the model and storage variant they choose.
Despite concerns over affordability, the updated ruling is being viewed as a necessary step toward modernizing Pakistan’s import valuation system. By aligning duties more closely with international market dynamics, authorities hope to ensure a level playing field and curb under-invoicing practices often associated with tech imports. Whether these revised duties will encourage or hinder the inflow of high-end smartphones into Pakistan remains to be seen in the months ahead, as both demand and pricing adjust to the new regime.
