Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Faces Massive PTA Tax Increase: New Prices Announced

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised customs valuation for used smartphones, a move expected to increase PTA tax and overall market prices for popular devices, including the iPhone 15 series and Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup.

For Samsung Galaxy S23, CNIC tax increased from Rs19,200 to Rs29,100 while passport tax rose from Rs17,240 to Rs26,600. This means users are now paying around Rs9,000 to Rs10,000 more than earlier.

For the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, the CNIC tax jumped from Rs20,200 to Rs29,570, and the passport tax increased from Rs18,200 to Rs27,100. This model also saw a strong rise of nearly Rs 9,000 in overall taxes.

Old vs New PTA Taxes on Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

The change follows a review process in which customs authorities analyzed recent import data and conducted market enquiries after the previous ruling was challenged. Officials say the revision is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing under-invoicing in the used phone market.

The impact is likely to be felt across Pakistan’s smartphone market, particularly among price-sensitive consumers who rely on used imports. Higher customs values are expected to raise PTA taxes and retail prices, potentially reducing demand for second-hand devices while increasing pressure on importers operating on thin margins.