The cost of importing smartphones into Pakistan has increased again. New taxes imposed by the government have significantly raised the registration cost for premium devices. Among the affected models is the Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup.
The increase comes after the Federal Board of Revenue revised customs values. These values are used to calculate import duties and PTA registration taxes.
As a result, consumers now face higher costs when bringing in older or used smartphones from abroad. The changes apply to several global brands, including Samsung, Apple, OnePlus, and Google.
Updated PTA Taxes for Samsung Galaxy S23 Models
The latest figures show a noticeable jump in taxes across all models of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. The increase applies to both CNIC and passport registrations.
For the standard Galaxy S23, the tax on CNIC has increased from Rs. 19,200 to Rs. 29,100. On passport registration, the tax rose from Rs. 17,240 to Rs. 26,600.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus also saw a sharp increase. The CNIC-based tax moved from Rs. 20,200 to Rs. 29,570. Passport registration now costs Rs. 27,100, up from Rs. 18,200.
For the premium Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the tax increased from Rs. 29,300 to Rs. 31,830 on CNIC. On passport, it rose from Rs. 26,850 to Rs. 29,370.
These updated rates reflect the new customs valuation introduced in April 2026.
Why Smartphone Taxes Have Increased
The main reason behind the increase is the revision of customs values. The Federal Board of Revenue periodically updates these values to reflect market trends.
Higher customs values lead to higher import duties. This directly impacts PTA taxes, which are calculated based on these figures.
Officials say the move is part of broader efforts to regulate imports and increase revenue. However, it has also made smartphones more expensive for consumers.
The policy mainly affects people who import phones for personal use. It also impacts those buying used or older models from overseas.
Impact on Consumers and Smartphone Market
The tax hike has raised concerns among consumers. Many users rely on imported devices due to price differences or availability issues in the local market.
With higher PTA taxes, the overall cost of owning premium smartphones has increased. This may push buyers toward locally available models or lower-priced alternatives.
Retailers and market analysts believe the increase could slow down imports. It may also affect demand for flagship devices like the Galaxy S23 series.
At the same time, the government aims to encourage local assembly and reduce reliance on imports. This policy shift is expected to shape the smartphone market in the coming months.
What Buyers Should Consider Before Importing
Consumers planning to import smartphones should check updated tax rates before making a purchase. Understanding PTA charges is essential to avoid unexpected costs.
Experts advise comparing local and international prices. In some cases, buying a phone locally may now be more cost-effective.
The recent increase highlights the importance of staying informed about changing tax policies. It also reflects the growing cost of importing high-end devices into Pakistan.
