The prices of well-known mobile phone brands, including Apple iPhones and Samsung, are slated to rise in Pakistan. This increase is prompted by a substantial adjustment in the customs values applied to the import of nearly all models of mobile phones entering the country.
The escalation in smartphone prices poses a considerable challenge for the financially constrained population of Pakistan, who are already grappling with inflation. The prospect of purchasing overpriced phones, often of lower quality, adds an additional burden to consumers.
The Directorate General of Customs Valuation recently issued a ruling that significantly raised customs values for over 1100 models of popular branded mobile phones.
This adjustment encompasses a wide range of brands, such as Apple, Huawei, Samsung, Nokia, and others, impacting a diverse array of consumers.
Moreover, the ruling specifies that used or refurbished mobile phones imported will be evaluated based on customs values, with allowances for depreciation as outlined in provided tabulated values. This means that even second-hand devices will be subject to the revised pricing structure.
For brands and models not explicitly covered in the ruling but imported in substantial quantities, customs clearance officials are directed to assess the value and forward a reference to the Directorate for the final determination of mobile phone values. This indicates a comprehensive approach to regulating the pricing of mobile phones in the country.
The overall implication is that the cost of purchasing popular mobile phones in Pakistan is set to increase, impacting consumers who may find it challenging to afford these devices.
The decision by the Directorate General of Customs Valuation reflects a broader economic concern, as it addresses not only new but also used mobile phones, impacting various segments of the population and the market.
