Customs says majority of mobile phone imports were CKD/SKD kits for local assembly, while fully built phone imports accounted for only Rs100 billion.
Pakistan Customs has clarified recent media reports regarding mobile phone imports during the fiscal year 2025-26, stating that the figures have been misinterpreted.
The department emphasized that it is inaccurate to categorize the entire import value of Rs520 billion as imports of fully manufactured mobile phones.
According to an official clarification, a substantial portion of the total import value—approximately Rs420 billion—comprised Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits.
These components were imported to support Pakistan’s growing local mobile phone assembly and manufacturing sector. In contrast, the value of Completely Built Unit (CBU) mobile phones, which are imported as fully assembled devices, stood at around Rs100 billion during the fiscal year.
The data further revealed that around 32 million mobile phones were imported into Pakistan during FY2025-26.
This figure remained largely unchanged compared to the previous fiscal year, when approximately 33 million units entered the country. The stable import volume reflects sustained consumer demand and continued activity in the domestic mobile phone market.
Pakistan Customs noted that the increase in imports of fully assembled smartphones was primarily driven by strong demand for premium brands such as Apple iPhone and Google Pixel. Since these devices are not manufactured locally, consumers rely on imports to access these products.
Authorities also highlighted that legal commercial imports have become increasingly attractive due to competitive pricing, encouraging consumers to shift away from gray-market channels and opt for documented, duty-paid devices.
The department also reported a significant rise in revenue collection from mobile phone imports. Duties and taxes collected during FY2025-26 reached Rs121 billion, marking an increase of more than 36 percent compared to the previous fiscal year. This growth reflects stronger compliance and improved documentation within the sector.
Pakistan Customs attributed the improved revenue performance to intensified anti-smuggling efforts, stricter enforcement against misdeclaration, enhancements in customs procedures, and effective coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
These measures have not only boosted government revenues but have also supported the expansion and competitiveness of Pakistan’s local mobile phone assembly industry, strengthening the country’s manufacturing ecosystem.