PTA has updated tax values for smartphones in Pakistan following a recent revision in customs valuations by FBR. These changes primarily affect importers bringing in old or used phones, while end consumers seeking PTA approval for their personal devices will not notice any immediate change in costs. The revision, however, is expected to create an opportunity for more affordable used smartphones in the local market across brands including Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, and Google, reflecting the updated FBR valuations.
For the iPhone 14 series, PTA has set the new tax value at Rs. 24,584, corresponding to a $210 custom value. When combined with the average price of a non-PTA-approved used iPhone 14, which typically ranges between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 120,000, the expected final retail price of a PTA-approved device will fall between Rs. 120,000 and Rs. 150,000. Similarly, the iPhone 14 Pro, which generally sells in the local market for Rs. 120,000 to Rs. 140,000 without PTA approval, now carries a revised PTA tax value of Rs. 28,616, equivalent to $290. This adjustment sets the retail range for PTA-approved iPhone 14 Pro units at around Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 170,000, depending on profit margins added by sellers.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max, often priced between Rs. 150,000 and Rs. 170,000 for non-PTA-approved units, has a revised PTA tax of Rs. 39,944, based on a $360 custom valuation. This update pushes the expected retail value of PTA-approved devices above Rs. 200,000. The revised tax structure is designed to align import duties with FBR’s updated customs valuations, ensuring a transparent and consistent approach for importers while gradually reflecting in the local market prices of used smartphones.
Industry sources note that these new PTA tax rates will take some time to be fully implemented in practice, and actual retail pricing will depend on local distributors and sellers adjusting to the updated valuations. The changes are expected to make older iPhone models more accessible to buyers seeking PTA-approved devices, while also encouraging the regulated import of pre-owned smartphones. This update demonstrates how adjustments in customs valuations by FBR directly impact PTA taxation and the broader second-hand smartphone ecosystem in Pakistan, potentially easing costs for consumers without affecting personal device approvals.
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