FBR announces new custom value for used iPhones

KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has established new customs valuations for the importation of 62 different types of old and used original branded mobile phones, aiming through that measure to match the duties with the already existing international market prices.

To this end, the directorate on Monday published Valuation Ruling No. 2035 of 2026. The new values would be applicable for the international trade of non-packed used mobile phones and those without accessories, which include brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel.

According to the officials, the earlier valuation ruling had lived its life and was more than a year and a half old, no longer being in line with the current global market situation.

Besides the fact that several new smartphone models had already found their way into the market, several older ones had been phased out, thus requiring the adjustment through depreciation.

As a consequence, customs officials drew the line and started a fresh valuation exercise under Sections 25 and 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, after identifying considerable gaps between the declared import values and the actual international prices.

In accordance with the new ruling, customs duties and taxes will be calculated based on the fixed values determined by Customs, regardless of the physical condition or grade of the used phones.

To benefit from the ruling, the imported used mobile phones must have been activated not less than six months before their export to Pakistan. Importers will be asked to declare the activation period, which will be confirmed by the officers of the concerned department responsible for evaluation.

For brands or models that are absent from the valuation table, collectorates have been advised to estimate values under Sections 25(5) and 25(6) of the Customs Act.