FBR announces significant cut in PTA tax for mobile imports

The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has introduced new customs values for importing 62 types of used branded mobile phones.

The move aims to align duties with current international market prices and ensure fair taxation. This shall synchronize responsibilities with contemporary global market prices to allow for fair taxation. These adjusted rates were released via Valuation Ruling Number 2035 in 2026 on January 19th. The new value for purposes of import duties applies to business imports of used smartphone devices from popular manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel smartphones.

According to customs authorities, the previous value that had taken effect for over a year and a half had become obsolete. This was mainly due to new models of smartphones emerging into the market while older models that are at the end of their life cycle have depreciated. Officials identified large discrepancies between declared import values and actual global prices. Customs duties and taxes will now be based on the fixed import values as determined by the authorities in a ruling issued in relation to the case above for both phones.

Additionally, importers are now required to indicate the period of activation for devices imported into the country. Phones that are more than six months old from the time they are activated for use before they are exported to Pakistan will be eligible for importation. According to customs officials, the new values will make import processes simpler for importers while at the same time eliminate instances of lowering the value of imports to evade payment of correct duties to the government.