KARACHI: Pakistan Customs has notified revised enhanced customs values for imported old and used Apple iPhones, a move that is likely to increase import-stage duties and taxes and ultimately raise retail prices in the local market.
According to a valuation ruling issued by the Directorate of Customs Valuation under the Federal Board of Revenue, the updated rates apply to commercial imports of used and refurbished Apple smartphones.
The authority stated that the revision was made following representations from industry stakeholders, who claimed that earlier undervaluation practices were distorting market competition.
Officials noted that objections raised by importers regarding international auction-based pricing data were reviewed, but such references were not considered fully applicable under Section 25(6) of the Customs Act, 1969. The department further emphasized that any exclusion of comparative data must be supported with documented justification.
Market experts say the revised customs values will directly increase calculated customs duty, sales tax, and regulatory duty at the import stage, leading to higher retail prices for used iPhones across Pakistan.
The updated valuation includes significant increases across multiple models, including iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, and older generations, which are widely traded in Pakistan’s second-hand mobile market.
Industry analysts warn that even small changes in customs valuation can significantly raise landed costs. Since used iPhones remain in high demand due to affordability concerns, the price impact is expected to be immediately passed on to consumers.
Traders also cautioned that higher import costs may further shrink the formal used smartphone market and potentially push activity toward informal channels. Some market observers added that grey-market prices are also likely to adjust upward in response.
The revised customs values will be used for duty and tax calculation at the import clearance stage, directly affecting final market pricing across Pakistan’s mobile phone sector.
