The mobile market in Pakistan has received a significant ...
The mobile market in Pakistan has received a significant boost this January 2026. Following the issuance of Valuation Ruling No. 2035 of 2026 by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the customs values for several used flagship smartphones have been slashed. This move directly translates to a reduction in the PTA registration tax, making premium devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max more accessible to the general public.
Why PTA Taxes Are Dropping in 2026
The recent reduction isn't a change in the tax percentage itself, but a recalibration of the "Customs Value" (the base price used to calculate tax).
- Outdated Valuations: Previous rulings were over 18 months old and did not account for the natural market depreciation of the iPhone 14 and 15 series.
- 5G Readiness: With the 5G spectrum auction scheduled for early 2026, the government is under pressure to make 5G-enabled handsets affordable.
- Used Market Focus: The relief specifically targets "old and used" branded devices (Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel) imported in commercial quantities or as personal baggage.
New PTA Tax Estimates for iPhone 15 Series (January 2026)
Based on the updated C&F values (e.g., $460 for a used iPhone 15 Pro Max), here are the estimated registration costs:
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Passport Registration: Approximately Rs. 44,984
- CNIC Registration: Approximately Rs. 50,604
iPhone 15 Pro
- Passport Registration: Approximately Rs. 41,960
- CNIC Registration: Approximately Rs. 47,580
iPhone 15 Plus
- Passport Registration: Approximately Rs. 40,448
- CNIC Registration: Approximately Rs. 46,068
iPhone 15 (Standard)
- Passport Registration: Approximately Rs. 31,640
- CNIC Registration: Approximately Rs. 34,101
Updated Values for iPhone 14 Series
The iPhone 14 remains a trending choice due to its high performance and now even lower tax bracket:
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: Estimated CNIC Tax Rs. 156,893 (Newer used valuations may bring this lower depending on the specific customs assessment).
- iPhone 14 Standard: Estimated CNIC Tax Rs. 130,708.
Key Rules for the 2026 Tax Reduction
To benefit from these lower rates, users and importers must adhere to specific FBR conditions:
- The Six-Month Rule: Used mobile phones must have been activated on a network at least six months prior to being exported to Pakistan.
- Commercial vs. Personal: These fixed valuations apply primarily to devices without original packaging or accessories (loose units).
- Verification: Customs officers now verify the first activation date to prevent new phones from being declared as "used" to evade higher duties.
How to Register and Pay Your PTA Tax
- Get Your IMEI: Dial *#06# on your device to get your 15-digit IMEI number.
- Check Status: Send the IMEI to 8484 via SMS or use the PTA DIRBS portal.
- Generate PSID: Use the *8484# USSD code or the DRS portal to generate a Payment Slip ID (PSID).
- Make Payment: Pay via online banking (e.g., Bank Alfalah Alfa App), ATMs, or at any major bank branch.
- Installment Options: If the upfront cost is too high, platforms like Alfa Mall and Kistpay offer 3 to 12-month installment plans for PTA approval.
Future Outlook: Will Taxes Decrease Further?
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance has directed the FBR to provide a comprehensive report by mid-March 2026. Lawmakers are pushing to move smartphones from the "Luxury" category to an "Essential" category (Eighth Schedule of the Sales Tax Act), which could lead to even more significant permanent tax cuts later this year.
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