Buying imported smartphones in Pakistan may become more affordable in the coming months as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) considers reducing taxes on certain imported devices.
According to officials, the FBR is reviewing a proposal to lower taxes on imported Mobile Phones priced up to $200. If approved, the move could provide relief to consumers looking to purchase entry-level and mid-range smartphones.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue. During the session, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial informed lawmakers that the tax authority is examining options to ease the tax burden on devices within this price category.
Currently, imported Mobile Phones are subject to substantial taxes in Pakistan. FBR data shows that the average effective tax rate on imported smartphones stands at approximately 39.6 percent.
Under the existing tax structure, smartphones valued between $101 and $200 are taxed at 40 percent. Devices priced between $201 and $350 face a 38 percent tax rate. Phones worth between $351 and $500 attract a 40 percent levy, while devices valued above $500 are taxed at 41 percent.
Officials told the committee that imported smartphones generate significant revenue for the national exchequer. According to available figures, taxes collected from imported mobile devices contribute around Rs37 billion annually.
The data also revealed that Apple smartphones account for a major share of these collections. Taxes generated from Apple devices alone are estimated at around Rs21 billion each year.
Depending on the value of the handset, consumers currently pay taxes ranging from Rs1,500 to as much as Rs141,500. These charges often increase the final retail price of imported smartphones considerably.
The proposed tax relief could have a meaningful impact on the local market. FBR figures indicate that nearly 44 percent of imported Mobile Phones fall within the $31 to $100 price bracket. Many other popular smartphones also fall within the proposed $200 threshold.
Industry observers believe that any reduction in taxes could help improve affordability for consumers while encouraging legal imports. Lower taxes may also support greater access to smartphones for students, professionals, and everyday users.
However, no final decision has been announced yet. The proposal remains under review, and authorities have not provided a timeline for its implementation.
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If approved, the move could offer significant relief to thousands of smartphone buyers across Pakistan and potentially reduce the overall cost of imported mobile devices in the country.
