The import of mobile phones in Pakistan witnessed a significant decline of 18.69 percent in December 2018, attributed to the government’s stringent measures to block unregistered International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
This move has not only curbed the influx of unregistered devices but has also impacted the overall import figures in the sector.
According to recent data, the import of mobile phones plummeted to $59.4 million in December 2018, a substantial drop from $73 million during the same month in the previous year. The government’s decision to block mobile phones with unregistered IMEIs has played a pivotal role in this decrease.
To encourage compliance with the IMEI registration requirements, the government introduced an incentive scheme, urging citizens to register their non-compliant cell phones by January 15, 2019. This initiative aims to ensure that all mobile devices in circulation are traceable and legitimate, which can help combat issues related to counterfeit and stolen devices.
Another contributing factor to the decline in mobile phone imports is the depreciation of the local currency over the past year. The devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee has made imported goods, including mobile phones, more expensive for consumers and importers alike. Additionally, the government has imposed a phone levy and other duties and taxes on the import of cell phones, further impacting the cost and desirability of foreign-made devices.
Looking at the larger picture, the import of mobile phones during the first half of the current fiscal year registered a 3.3 percent decline, totaling $364 million. This figure is notably lower than the corresponding half of the last fiscal year, which recorded imports amounting to $376.5 million. These statistics highlight the broader economic challenges faced by the mobile phone industry, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates and increased import costs.
As the government continues to enforce measures to ensure IMEI compliance and collect revenue through duties and levies, it remains to be seen how these policies will impact the mobile phone market in the long run. While the decline in imports may pose challenges for consumers and businesses, the enhanced regulation could ultimately lead to a more secure and transparent mobile phone market in Pakistan. The government’s efforts are aimed at striking a balance between consumer protection and revenue generation, with the hope that these measures will benefit the country’s economy in the future.
