FBR Announces Major Reduction in PTA Tax for 4 Imported Phone Brands (2026 Update)
In a massive win for mobile users across Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially announced a significant reduction in the PTA tax for several flagship smartphones. Following the issuance of Valuation Ruling No. 2035 of 2026, the customs valuation for used and refurbished devices has been drastically lowered, providing a breath of fresh air for those looking to upgrade their tech without breaking the bank.
This move specifically targets the four most popular imported phone brands in the country: Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus. As we navigate through early 2026, understanding how these changes affect your wallet is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the new tax structures, the specific models benefiting from the cut, and how you can save thousands on your next PTA registration.
🏗️ The Pillar: FBR PTA Tax Reduction 2026 Overview
The primary reason for the sudden drop in registration costs is the revision of "Customs Values." Since the PTA tax is calculated based on the base value assigned by the FBR, any reduction in that valuation results in a direct decrease in the total tax payable.
📱 Why the change? The previous valuation was over 18 months old. In that time, older models like the iPhone 12 and 13 have depreciated globally. The FBR’s new ruling ensures that taxes are now reflective of current international market prices.
📱 Valuation Ruling 2035: Issued on January 19, 2026, this ruling covers 62 different models of old and used mobile phones imported without packing and accessories.
📱 Immediate Impact: For some older iPhone models, the valuation has been slashed by as much as 81%, making PTA approval more affordable than ever before.
🍏 Apple iPhone Tax Cuts (The Steepest Reductions)
Apple users have historically faced the highest PTA taxes in Pakistan. However, the 2026 update has brought some of the most dramatic relief for iPhone enthusiasts.
📱 iPhone 15 Series: The new PTA tax on iPhone 15 Pro Max is now based on a customs value of $460. This means you can expect to pay approximately Rs. 44,984 via Passport and Rs. 50,604 via CNIC.
📱 iPhone 13 & 14 Series: Flagships from the previous years have seen huge drops. A used iPhone 13 Pro is now valued at just $225, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max sits at $360.
📱 Older Classics: The iPhone 12 Pro Max customs valuation has been lowered to $215, down from $340. Even the humble iPhone X has seen its value drop to just $57 for tax purposes.
📱 Samsung, Google, and OnePlus Relief
While iPhones lead the headlines, the Android flagship market is also seeing massive FBR mobile tax relief.
📱 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Perhaps the biggest surprise for Android fans is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra PTA tax 2026. With a revised customs value of only $255, the total tax has dropped significantly. A PTA-approved S23 Ultra is now expected to be available for around Rs. 100,000 total (including device cost and tax).
📱 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: The latest from Google is now valued at $260, making the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL PTA registration fee much more manageable for fans of clean Android.
📱 OnePlus 12: The OnePlus 12 PTA tax Pakistan is now calculated on a base value of $184, ensuring that "Flagship Killers" remain affordable in the local market.
📝 Registration Methods (CNIC vs. Passport)
Understanding how much money does it take to register depends heavily on your registration method.
📱 Passport Registration: This remains the cheapest option. If you or a family member has traveled abroad in the last 60 days, you can save roughly Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 compared to CNIC rates.
📱 CNIC Registration: While slightly more expensive, this is the only option for those who haven't traveled. The good news is that even CNIC rates have dropped in tandem with the new valuations.
📱 Eligibility Condition: To qualify for these reduced rates, the phone must have been activated at least six months before being exported to Pakistan.
⚖️ Policy & Anti-Smuggling Goals
The FBR announces major reduction in PTA tax not just for public relief, but also as a strategic move to curb illegal imports.
📱 Curbing Under-Invoicing: By setting realistic values, the FBR reduces the incentive for importers to declare lower prices.
📱 Boosting Compliance: More people are likely to pay the PTA acting fees and register their devices legally if the costs aren't prohibitively high.
📱 Supporting Freelancers: High-quality used flagships are essential for the digital workforce. This policy supports students and professionals who need powerful hardware at a fair price.
📊 2026 Revised Customs Values & Estimated Taxes
| Brand | Model | New Customs Value (USD) | Est. Tax (Passport) | Est. Tax (CNIC) |
| Apple | iPhone 15 Pro Max | $460 | Rs. 44,984 | Rs. 50,604 |
| Apple | iPhone 14 Pro Max | $360 | Rs. 40,000* | Rs. 45,000* |
| Samsung | Galaxy S23 Ultra | $255 | Rs. 26,852 | Rs. 29,313 |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | $260 | Rs. 27,500* | Rs. 30,000* | |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 12 | $184 | Rs. 18,244 | Rs. 20,225 |
*Estimated values based on current calculation trends.
❓ FAQ: About FBR Mobile Taxes
What is the new PTA tax on iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2026?
Following the FBR reduction, the PTA tax on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is approximately Rs. 44,984 on a Passport and Rs. 50,604 on a CNIC.
Which 4 brands got the PTA tax reduction?
The four major brands highlighted by the FBR for significant relief are Apple (iPhones), Samsung (Galaxy/Note series), Google (Pixel series), and OnePlus.
Is it cheaper to register a phone on a Passport or CNIC?
Passport registration is consistently cheaper, typically saving the user between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 8,000 on high-end flagship models.
What is Valuation Ruling No. 2035 of 2026?
This is the official FBR document that revised the customs values of 62 used and refurbished mobile phone models, effectively lowering their PTA registration taxes.
Does the tax reduction apply to new phones?
No, this specific reduction applies to used and refurbished mobile phones imported without their original boxes or accessories and activated at least six months prior to export.
🌟 Conclusion: A New Era for Tech in Pakistan
The FBR PTA tax update January 2026 marks a significant shift in how mobile technology is taxed in the country. By moving away from outdated valuations and embracing the reality of device depreciation, the government has made premium technology accessible to millions.
Whether you are looking for the best imported Android phones or a classic iPhone, 2026 is the year to finally get that PTA approval. The drop in PTA acting fees and overall customs duties proves that a more transparent, user-friendly mobile ecosystem is within reach.
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2 Comments
iphone 17 pro per kitna tax hai?
ReplyDeletepurane mobile per ker dia relax
ReplyDelete