Used imported mobile phones are set to become significantly more expensive in Pakistan after authorities revised their customs valuation, a move expected to raise import costs and retail prices across the market.
The Karachi Customs Valuation Directorate has issued a new valuation order revising the customs value of old and used mobile phones, according to official documents and sources within the Federal Board of Revenue.
62 mobile models affected by new valuation
Under the updated order, customs values have been increased for 62 models from leading mobile phone brands, directly impacting the cost of importing second-hand devices. Importers say the revised framework will substantially raise prices in the local market, especially for popular used smartphones.
Officials said the earlier valuation order has been withdrawn and replaced with a new one, identified as Valuation Ruling No. 2070, which is now in force nationwide.
Applies to all used phones, regardless of condition
According to the valuation document, the revised customs value will apply to all used mobile phones, regardless of their physical condition.
This means lightly used and heavily worn devices will be assessed under the same valuation structure, a change that removes flexibility previously available to importers dealing in older or lower-grade handsets.
Six-month activation history now mandatory
The new rules also introduce stricter documentation requirements. Imported mobile phones must have been activated at least six months prior to import, and importers will be required to submit activation history details for clearance.
Also read: Standing Committee Raises Concerns Over Mobile Phone Taxes in Pakistan
Customs officials say the condition is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing the misuse of valuation loopholes in the used-phone trade.
Valuation based on market data
Authorities said the revised customs values were determined using current international market trends and recent import data, which were used as benchmarks to reassess the worth of used devices entering Pakistan.
Traders strongly oppose the move
The decision has sparked criticism from market representatives. Rizwan Irfan, President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, rejected the increase and urged the government to restore the previous duty structure.
He said used mobile phones are primarily purchased by middle-income consumers and that higher duties would make smartphones less affordable for a large segment of the population.
Fears of higher prices and smuggling
Rizwan Irfan claimed that customs duty on used mobile phones has increased by at least $25 per device, warning that the move would disproportionately hurt the middle class.
He also cautioned that higher import costs could encourage smuggling, pushing trade into undocumented channels instead of strengthening the legal market.
Impact on consumers
Market analysts say the revised valuation is likely to push up retail prices of second-hand smartphones, particularly imported iPhones and premium Android devices that dominate Pakistan’s used-phone market.
With affordability already under pressure due to inflation and currency depreciation, the new customs framework could further limit access to smartphones for budget-conscious buyers.
