FBR raises customs values on used mobiles

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – The Federal Board of Revenue has increased customs valuation on 62 models of used mobile phones in an effort to align tax assessments with current market prices, according to an official notification issued on Thursday.

The updated rates have been introduced under Valuation Ruling No. 2070 of 2026, replacing the earlier ruling issued in January. The Directorate General of Customs Valuation finalized the changes after consultations with stakeholders held on April 13.

The revised valuation applies to commercially imported used mobile phones without accessories or packaging and maintains existing rules, including activation-age criteria, freight adjustments, and provisions for higher declared values.

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The move comes shortly after FBR officials assured a National Assembly committee that mobile phone prices could be reduced in the upcoming budget, creating a contrast between policy discussions and regulatory action.

Sharp Increases Across Brands

A comparison of revised valuations shows notable increases across major smartphone brands, especially older and mid-range models.

Apple iPhones saw moderate increases in newer models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which rose by around 9.78%, while older devices like the iPhone SE 2 and original SE more than doubled in valuation. Some models, including the iPhone XS Max and iPhone SE 3, remained unchanged.

Samsung devices recorded steeper hikes, particularly in older flagship series such as the Galaxy S22+, S21, and S10 lineup. The Galaxy S23 Ultra saw a relatively smaller increase of about 19.61%.

The most significant revisions were seen in Google Pixel phones, where older models such as Pixel 5, 5A, 6, and 6A saw increases ranging from 160% to nearly 194%. Newer models like the Pixel 8 Pro experienced more limited adjustments.

OnePlus devices also saw upward revisions, though comparatively moderate, with models like the OnePlus 12 increasing by around 14.67%, while older variants such as the OnePlus 10 Pro showed sharper rises.

Market Impact

The revised valuations are expected to increase import duties and taxes on used smartphones, particularly affecting traders dealing in older Samsung and Pixel devices. Newer Apple models are likely to be less impacted due to relatively smaller increases.

The decision comes amid a 27.84% rise in mobile phone imports, which reached $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the fiscal year compared to $1.129 billion last year.

Analysts believe the move may push up prices in the secondary market while increasing government revenue from imports.