In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Pakistani mobile markets from Karachi’s Saddar to Lahore’s Hall Road, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially notified a massive reduction in the customs valuation of used smartphones. This isn’t just a minor adjustment; for some older flagship models, the valuation has plummeted by a staggering 81%.
As of today, Friday, January 23, 2026, the new rates are being implemented across customs stations, effectively lowering the PTA registration tax for over 62 different models of used iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, Google Pixels, and OnePlus devices.
The Valuation Ruling 2035/2026: Why Now?
For over 18 months, the customs values for used mobile phones in Pakistan remained stagnant, even as global prices for older models like the iPhone 12 and 13 crashed. Importers and consumers were stuck paying taxes based on “2024 luxury prices” for what are now mid-tier used devices. The Directorate General of Customs Valuation acknowledged this disparity in its latest ruling. By adjusting the C&F (Cost and Freight) values to reflect current international market realities, the government is making a clear move to curb smuggling and encourage legal imports of “refurbished” technology.
iPhone Price Crash: The Biggest Winners
Apple fans have the most to celebrate this weekend. The “iPhone Tax” has been the single biggest hurdle for enthusiasts, but the new ruling slashes the assessed values of the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 series significantly.
The iPhone 15 Series (First-Time Official Used Valuation)
For the first time, the FBR has set official “used” values for the iPhone 15 lineup. This makes PTA approval for these devices much more predictable and affordable:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max (Used): Rs. 128,197
- iPhone 15 Pro (Used): Rs. 108,689
- iPhone 15 (Used): Rs. 86,394
Steep Declines for Older Models
The most dramatic cuts were seen in the “workhorse” models that dominate the used market:
The “Old vs. New” Valuation Breakdown (in PKR)
- iPhone 12 Pro (Used):
- Old Value: Rs. 78,033
New Value: Rs. 43,197
A massive drop of nearly Rs. 35,000 in assessed value.
- iPhone 13 (Used):
Old Value: Rs. 78,033
- New Value: Rs. 47,377
Reduction of over Rs. 30,000.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max (Used):
- Current Value: Rs. 40,410
Samsung & Google Pixel: Flagships for the Masses
While iPhones saw the steepest percentage cuts, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series and Google Pixel 9 series have also been adjusted to make them more competitive.
-
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The used valuation has been fixed at $255. In practical terms, this means a PTA-approved used S23 Ultra could soon be found for around Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 110,000 in the local market.
-
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: The new valuation is set at $260, making the “AI Phone” of 2025 highly accessible for Pakistani techies in 2026.
Understanding the “6-Month Activation” Rule
There is one critical “catch” in the new ruling that every buyer must know. To qualify for these lower “used” tax rates, the device must have been activated at least six months prior to its export to Pakistan.
Customs officials will now verify the activation date through the phone’s IMEI during the clearance process. If a device is “new” or recently activated, it will still be taxed at the much higher “New Category” rates.
Market Impact: Will Prices Fall Instantly?
At Media Bites, we spoke to local retailers to see how quickly these savings will reach the consumer. The consensus? Expect a 48-hour lag.
While the tax is lower at the import stage, retailers who already have “old tax” stock will try to maintain their margins. However, with the new shipments clearing customs today, competition will force prices down by Monday. If you are looking to buy, we recommend waiting until the start of next week to see the full impact on retail tags.
Summary Table: New Customs Values (Jan 23, 2026)
| Phone Model | Previous Value (USD) | New Value (USD) | Change (%) |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $430 | $295 | -31% |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $280 | $155 | -45% |
| iPhone X | $75 | $57 | -24% |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | $285 (approx) | $255 | -11% |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | (N/A) | $260 | New Category |
Conclusion
The FBR’s decision to modernize mobile valuations is a win for the digital economy of Pakistan. By making high-end, 5G-ready used devices more affordable, the government is effectively closing the gap between luxury and utility. Whether you’re a content creator needing a Pro Max camera or a professional looking for a reliable Samsung, January 2026 is officially the best time to upgrade.
111 Comments
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for posting.
It’s actually a cool and useful piece of info. I am happy that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I haven’t checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
I was just seeking this information for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your web site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.
Great post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful information particularly the final section 🙂 I maintain such info a lot. I used to be looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the difficulty and located most individuals will associate with with your website.
Hello There. I found your weblog the use of msn. This is an extremely smartly written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.
Keep up the wonderful work, I read few articles on this internet site and I think that your weblog is very interesting and has got sets of fantastic info .
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Right now it looks like Movable Type is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hi! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your web site in internet explorer, may test this?K IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a huge component of other folks will omit your magnificent writing due to this problem.
Wonderful post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Many thanks!
Usually I do not learn article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
This really answered my problem, thank you!
Some truly marvelous work on behalf of the owner of this web site, absolutely great content.
It is really a great and helpful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
certainly like your web site but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
Thanks for some other fantastic post. The place else may just anybody get that type of information in such an ideal method of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such info.
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips and hints for rookie blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
I consider something really special in this web site.
Some truly nice and utilitarian info on this internet site, too I believe the pattern contains excellent features.
Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
Thanks for the good writeup. It in truth was once a enjoyment account it. Glance advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
I discovered your weblog web site on google and verify a few of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I simply extra up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. In search of ahead to reading extra from you afterward!…
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
The very root of your writing whilst sounding agreeable initially, did not really settle perfectly with me personally after some time. Somewhere within the paragraphs you were able to make me a believer but only for a while. I however have a problem with your leaps in logic and one might do well to fill in those gaps. If you actually can accomplish that, I could definitely end up being fascinated.
Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the good writeup. It in truth was a leisure account it. Look advanced to more introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how can we be in contact?
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” by Leonard I. Sweet.
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
I conceive you have mentioned some very interesting details, thankyou for the post.
I like this site very much, Its a really nice berth to read and get information.
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Some really choice posts on this web site, saved to bookmarks.
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
I went over this internet site and I conceive you have a lot of good info, saved to bookmarks (:.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!
Its fantastic as your other posts : D, appreciate it for putting up. “The rewards for those who persevere far exceed the pain that must precede the victory.” by Ted W. Engstrom.
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
Some truly terrific work on behalf of the owner of this web site, perfectly great subject material.
I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta tell thanks for the post on this perfect one :D.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
I really enjoy looking through on this site, it contains great content. “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” by Rudyard Kipling.
Awsome info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thank you 🙂
You should take part in a contest for probably the greatest blogs on the web. I’ll suggest this site!
Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your website accidentally, and I’m shocked why this accident did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
of course like your web-site however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will definitely come back again.
Whats Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist other customers like its aided me. Great job.
Excellent site you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get comments from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks!
Yay google is my queen helped me to find this great internet site! .
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Very interesting subject , thanks for posting.
Wow, superb weblog format! How long have you ever been blogging for? you made running a blog look easy. The whole look of your web site is great, as neatly as the content material!
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
Just about all of what you mention happens to be astonishingly appropriate and it makes me ponder why I hadn’t looked at this in this light before. This piece truly did switch the light on for me as far as this particular subject matter goes. However there is one issue I am not too comfy with and while I try to reconcile that with the actual central idea of your issue, allow me observe what all the rest of your subscribers have to say.Nicely done.
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist different customers like its aided me. Great job.
There’s noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in options also.
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this internet site is real user genial! .
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, let alone the content!
Great info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any ideea where to hire some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
Thank you for another magnificent article. The place else could anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such information.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
I think other web-site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and wonderful user genial style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
But a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great pattern.
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue together with your site in web explorer, might check this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a huge part of other people will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.
I’m really inspired with your writing abilities and also with the structure in your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one today..
Hello, you used to write great, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
There is noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made sure good factors in features also.
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
Hey very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also?KI am glad to seek out so many helpful information right here in the submit, we’d like work out extra strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
I was just looking for this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Usually the top sites are full of garbage.
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!
Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!
I really like your writing style, excellent info, thank you for putting up :D. “In university they don’t tell you that the greater part of the law is learning to tolerate fools.” by Doris Lessing.
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Excellent work!
Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any tips? Thank you!
You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
I like this web blog so much, saved to bookmarks.
There is visibly a bunch to identify about this. I feel you made various nice points in features also.
This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
I think this is among the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really great :D. Good job, cheers
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m glad to exhibit that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most for sure will make sure to don’t forget this web site and give it a glance on a constant basis.
My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
This website can be a stroll-via for all of the information you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll positively discover it.
Simply wanna comment on few general things, The website layout is perfect, the content material is rattling excellent : D.
Just about all of the things you articulate is supprisingly accurate and it makes me wonder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this with this light before. Your article really did switch the light on for me personally as far as this topic goes. However at this time there is 1 factor I am not really too comfy with so while I attempt to reconcile that with the core idea of your position, let me observe just what the rest of the subscribers have to point out.Well done.
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.
It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
I believe this web site has some rattling great information for everyone :D.
Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!
Some really nice stuff on this site, I enjoy it.
Simply wanna remark on few general things, The website design is perfect, the subject material is really fantastic. “Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.” by Barry LePatner.
Whats up! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for the good data you may have here on this post. I might be coming again to your weblog for extra soon.
I’ve recently started a website, the information you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting up.
naturally like your web-site however you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth however I’ll surely come again again.
I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i am happy to convey that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most undoubtedly will make sure to don’t overlook this web site and provides it a look regularly.