Govt cuts PTA tax on used smartphones

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk/ Out Correspondent) – The government has reduced the customs values for used smartphones, leading to a noticeable drop in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tax on high-end devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Sources say that the PTA tax is calculated based on customs value, sales tax, and mobile levies. With the new lower customs rates, the registration cost for smartphones has decreased significantly. Under the revised structure, PTA tax for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is now Rs 55,000 if registered with a passport, and Rs 70,000 if registered with a National Identity Card.

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Previously, consumers faced much higher taxes on these premium models, making legal registration expensive. Experts say the move will benefit general consumers, boost the local mobile market, encourage legal registrations, and reduce the use of smuggled or unregistered devices. The adjustment also brings smartphone prices in Pakistan closer to global market rates, marking a positive step toward promoting digital services.