Used mobile phones to go more expensive as FBR raises customs valuation on 62 models

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has increased customs valuation on 62 models of old and used mobile phones, aiming to align duty and tax assessments with prevailing market prices, according to an official notification issued on Thursday.

The revised benchmarks were introduced through Valuation Ruling No. 2070 of 2026, replacing the earlier Ruling No. 2035 issued in January. The Directorate General of Customs Valuation finalised the new rates after holding consultations with stakeholders on April 13.

The updated valuation applies to commercially imported used mobile phones without accessories or packaging and retains the existing regulatory framework, including six-month activation rules, freight adjustments, and higher declared value provisions.

The development comes days after senior FBR officials assured a National Assembly committee that mobile phone rates would be reduced in the upcoming budget, creating a contrast between policy direction and administrative action.

Sharp increases across major brands

Data comparison shows significant increases across major brands, particularly in older and mid-range devices.

For Apple iPhones, valuation increases were relatively moderate for newer flagship models but steeper for older variants. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max saw a rise of around 9.78 per cent, while older models such as iPhone SE 2 and the original SE recorded increases exceeding 100 per cent. Notably, iPhone XS Max and iPhone SE 3 remained unchanged.

Samsung devices witnessed some of the steepest increases, particularly in older flagship and upper mid-range models. Significant jumps were observed in the Galaxy S22+ 5G, S21 series, and S10 lineup, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra saw a comparatively modest increase of around 19.61 per cent.

The most substantial revisions were recorded for Google Pixel devices, where older models such as Pixel 5, 5A, 6, and 6A experienced increases ranging from over 160 per cent to nearly 194 per cent. In contrast, newer models like Pixel 8 Pro saw relatively limited changes.

OnePlus devices also registered increases, though less pronounced overall. The OnePlus 12 rose by about 14.67 per cent, while older performance-focused models such as the OnePlus 10 Pro and 12R recorded sharper hikes.

Impact on imports and market

The revised valuations are expected to increase the duty and tax burden on imported used phones, particularly affecting traders dealing in older Samsung, Pixel, and mid-range devices. In contrast, newer Apple flagship models are likely to see a relatively smaller impact.

The move comes amid a surge in mobile phone imports, which grew by 27.84 per cent to $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, compared to $1.129 billion in the same period last year.

Analysts suggest the revised valuations could lead to higher retail prices in the secondary market while boosting government revenue through increased tax collection.