Buying a smartphone in Pakistan has long been expensive due to high PTA taxes and inflated customs values, especially for used and refurbished phones. In a major relief for consumers, PTA-related taxes have effectively been reduced after FBR updated customs valuations, leading to noticeable price drops across many popular mobile phone models.
This article clearly explains how much prices have reduced, which phones are cheaper now, why this happened, and what buyers should expect next.
What Changed in PTA Taxes and Phone Prices
The Federal Board of Revenue has revised customs valuation for used mobile phones, which directly impacts PTA taxes. Since PTA registration charges are calculated on customs-assessed values, lower valuations mean lower PTA tax and lower final prices.
Earlier customs values were outdated and far higher than real international market prices. The new update corrects this imbalance.
Why Mobile Phone Prices Are Now Lower
In Pakistan, the final phone price includes:
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Customs duty
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Sales tax
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Income tax
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PTA registration tax
Once customs values dropped, all linked taxes automatically reduced. This has resulted in:
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Cheaper PTA registration
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Lower import costs
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Reduced retail prices for used phones
The biggest impact is on mid-range and older flagship phones, which were previously overpriced.
iPhone Price Reduction After PTA Update
Apple iPhones have seen one of the largest reductions, especially older models that are widely used in Pakistan.
Approximate Customs Value Reduction (Used iPhones)
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iPhone 15 Pro Max: now valued around USD 460
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iPhone 14 Pro Max: reduced to around USD 360
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iPhone 13 Pro: reduced close to USD 225
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iPhone 12: reduced near USD 120
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iPhone 11: reduced to under USD 100
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iPhone XR and older models: dropped sharply
Because PTA tax is linked to these values, PTA charges on iPhones have fallen by tens of thousands of rupees, depending on the model.
Samsung Phone Prices Also Drop
Samsung users are also seeing relief, especially on Galaxy S and Note series phones.
Examples of Reduced Customs Values
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Galaxy S23 Ultra: reduced to around USD 255
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Galaxy S22 Ultra: reduced close to USD 160
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Galaxy S21 5G: reduced to around USD 50
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Galaxy S20 and S10 series: reduced significantly
This has made used Samsung flagship phones far more affordable in the local market.
Google Pixel and OnePlus Price Cuts
Phones that were already popular for value-for-money reasons are now even cheaper.
Google Pixel Examples
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Pixel 8 Pro: reduced to around USD 188
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Pixel 7: reduced to under USD 60
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Pixel 6 and older models: sharply reduced
OnePlus Examples
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OnePlus 12: reduced to around USD 184
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OnePlus 11: reduced to under USD 100
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OnePlus 10 Pro: reduced close to USD 65
This means lower PTA tax and lower shop prices for these brands.
Important Condition for Getting Lower PTA Tax
To qualify for these reduced rates, one rule is critical:
The phone must have been activated at least six months before import.
Customs officials verify activation dates to prevent misuse. Brand-new phones falsely declared as used will not qualify.
What If Your Phone Model Is Not in the List
If a phone model is not listed in the updated valuation:
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Customs authorities assess it separately
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International prices are reviewed
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Comparable market data is used
This ensures fairness while maintaining regulation.
What This Means for Buyers in Pakistan
For consumers, this update brings real and practical benefits:
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Lower PTA registration cost
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Reduced phone prices in markets
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Less incentive to buy non-PTA phones
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Better availability of legally registered devices
Over time, this is expected to reduce the grey market and improve network compliance.
Common Confusion – Clear Answers
Did PTA completely remove taxes?
No. Taxes still apply, but amounts are lower.
Does this apply to new phones?
No. Only used phones meeting the activation condition.
Will shop prices drop immediately?
Gradually, as new imports clear customs under new rates.
Does this affect phones already registered?
No. It applies to future imports and registrations.
Conclusion
The latest update on PTA taxes and mobile phone prices in Pakistan is a major relief for consumers. By revising customs valuations to reflect real global prices, FBR has indirectly reduced PTA taxes, leading to clear price drops across iPhones, Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus devices.
For buyers who were waiting due to high PTA costs, this change makes legal, PTA-registered phones more affordable and practical. Staying informed and buying registered devices is now a smarter and more realistic choice for many Pakistanis.
