PTA rejects fake mobile tax cut claims, stresses revised customs duties on used phones

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has strongly refuted a viral notification circulating on social media that claims a sweeping reduction in mobile phone taxes and new policy directions for importers and consumers. Terming the document “fake and misleading,” the regulator clarified that no such notification has been issued and urged the public to rely only on official sources for accurate information.

The clarification comes amid growing confusion after reports of revised customs duty valuations on used mobile phones surfaced, prompting many to mistakenly assume that the government had announced across-the-board tax relief on mobile devices.

PTA dismisses viral ‘tax relief’ notification

In an official statement, the PTA categorically stated that it has not announced any reduction in mobile phone taxes, nor has it issued fresh rules for the import or registration of mobile devices. The authority said the circulating notification had no legal standing and was being shared without verification.

جعلی نوٹیفکیشن الرٹ
اسلام آباد (22 جنوری 2026): سوشل میڈیا پر شائع موبائل ٹیکس میں مبینہ کمی اور موبائل فون درآمد کنندگان و صارفین سے متعلق ہدایات کے حوالے سے جعلی نوٹیفکیشن مکمل طور پر غلط اور گمراہ کن ہے۔

واضح رہے کہ پی ٹی اے نے اس حوالے سے کوئی ہدایت جاری نہیں کی۔ لہذا عوام… pic.twitter.com/b8yGX8YRtB

— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) January 22, 2026

“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has not issued any notification or directive regarding a reduction in mobile phone taxes,” the statement said. “Reports circulating on social media suggesting tax relief or changes in import rules are completely false and misleading.”

The PTA warned that such misinformation creates unnecessary confusion among consumers, retailers, and importers, often leading to artificial price fluctuations in the market. It advised citizens to consult the PTA’s official website and verified social media accounts for authentic updates.

Authority urges public to avoid unverified information

The regulator also appealed to the public to exercise caution before sharing unverified documents online. According to the PTA, misleading claims about tax cuts often raise false expectations among buyers and disrupt normal market activity.

“Spreading unverified information can harm both consumers and businesses,” the PTA noted, adding that any official change in policy would be communicated transparently through proper government channels.

Customs revises duty valuations on used phones

While rejecting claims of a general tax reduction, officials clarified that a separate and legitimate revision has been made by the customs valuation department concerning duties and taxes on commercially imported used and old mobile phones.

Customs authorities recently revised downward the assessment values used to calculate duties and taxes on certain used smartphones. The move was aimed at bringing valuations in line with current international market prices, particularly for older models that have depreciated significantly over time.

Officials said the adjustment was made after observing a decline in global prices of used devices as newer models enter the market and older ones approach the end of their commercial life cycle.

Reduced valuations for older iPhone models

Under the revised valuation schedule, assessment rates for several used iPhone models have been significantly lowered. For example, the customs valuation of a used iPhone 13 Pro Max has been reduced from $430 to $295, while the iPhone 13 has seen a drop from $280 to $170.

Authorities believe the revised rates will help make used smartphones more affordable for consumers who rely on second-hand devices due to high prices of new models.

New benchmarks for latest used smartphones

For newer used devices, customs has introduced valuation benchmarks for the first time. A used iPhone 15 Pro Max has been assigned a valuation of $460, while the iPhone 15 is set at $310 for duty calculation purposes.

The revised list also includes popular Android devices. Used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Plus have been valued at $255 and $160, respectively. Similarly, a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has been assessed at $260, while a OnePlus 12 has been valued at $184.

Distinguishing fact from fiction

Officials stressed that these valuation changes should not be confused with a blanket reduction in mobile phone taxes. The revised figures apply only to the assessment of duties on used phones imported commercially and do not represent a broader policy shift.

The PTA reiterated that there has been no change in existing mobile phone tax structures or import regulations beyond what has been officially notified by customs authorities.

Advice for consumers and importers

Consumers and traders have been advised to consult official customs notifications for updated duty schedules on used phones and to disregard unauthorized claims of tax relief. The PTA said it would continue to monitor and counter misinformation that could mislead the public.

The authority emphasized that transparency remains a priority and that any future changes to mobile taxation or import rules would be announced formally to ensure clarity and consistency in the market.