No increase in tariffs on imported smartphones as government maintains policy continuity for tech sector
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has confirmed revised customs duty arrangements for smartphones, stating that there will be no increase in tariffs on imported devices effective from July 1, 2026, under the Finance Bill 2026.
The decision ensures stability in smartphone customs duty policy, with rates on fully built imported smartphones remaining unchanged. Officials said the move is aimed at maintaining continuity for importers, retailers and consumers amid ongoing fiscal adjustments.
The announcement also confirms that there will be no revision in smartphone customs duty for devices imported in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi Knocked Down (SKD) form, provided that regulatory requirements are met.
CKD and SKD imports remain regulated
Under the updated framework, local manufacturers and assemblers certified by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will continue to import CKD and SKD units within quotas assigned by the Input Output Co-efficient Organisation (IOCO).
The FBR said smartphone customs duty rules will remain aligned with existing regulatory controls, ensuring compliance across the supply chain while supporting local assembly operations.
PTA certification and compliance requirements
The revised system maintains strict compliance requirements for importers and manufacturers. A valid PTA type approval certificate will remain mandatory for all smartphone imports.
Additionally, consignment-wise No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued by the PTA will continue to be required for CKD and SKD shipments, ensuring that smartphone customs duty regulations are enforced alongside telecom standards.
Officials said these measures are designed to balance regulatory oversight with industry facilitation, while maintaining transparency in import procedures.
Policy continuity for tech sector
The FBR’s decision provides continuity in smartphone customs duty policy ahead of the new fiscal year, offering predictability for market participants in Pakistan’s growing technology sector.
Industry stakeholders are expected to benefit from the unchanged structure, as stable smartphone customs duty rates help support pricing consistency and supply chain planning.
Outlook for smartphone imports
Analysts say the unchanged smartphone customs duty framework will help maintain market stability, particularly for importers and local assemblers who rely on predictable taxation policies.
With no increase in smartphone customs duty, the government aims to support both consumer affordability and local manufacturing activity while maintaining regulatory compliance in the telecom sector.
