iPhone PTA tax in Pakistan has seen major updates in 2026. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introduced new customs valuation rulings that directly impact how much you pay to register your device. Here is everything you need to know.
What is PTA Tax on iPhones?
PTA tax is a registration fee for mobile phones brought into Pakistan. Your iPhone needs registration to work with local SIMs. Without payment, your IMEI gets blocked within 60 days .
The tax applies to:
- New iPhones bought abroad
- Used or refurbished devices
- Gifts from relatives overseas
Latest PTA Tax Charges for iPhone 16 Series (2026)
The iPhone 16 series faces the highest taxes due to premium valuation. Here are the current rates:
- iPhone Model PTA Tax (Passport) PTA Tax (CNIC)
- iPhone 16 Rs. 128,766 Rs. 154,293
- iPhone 16 Plus Rs. 135,322 Rs. 161,949
- iPhone 16 Pro Rs. 168,789 Rs. 198,317
- iPhone 16 Pro Max Rs. 182,710 Rs. 213,631
Passport registration is cheaper. CNIC registration costs more due to higher tax rates for residents.
iPhone 15 Series PTA Tax After January 2026 Changes
The FBR revised customs values in January 2026. This brought relief to used iPhone buyers. New valuation ruling No. 2035/2026 set lower assessed values for imported devices. Lower taxes apply to commercially imported used phones.
Current PTA tax for iPhone 15 series:
- Model PTA Tax (CNIC) Total Price Estimate
- iPhone 15 Rs. 34,101 ~Rs. 130,000
- iPhone 15 Plus Rs. 46,068 ~Rs. 145,000
- iPhone 15 Pro Rs. 47,580 ~Rs. 155,000
- iPhone 15 Pro Max Rs. 50,604 ~Rs. 175,000
The iPhone 15 Pro Max previously cost much more. Now registration via CNIC costs around Rs. 50,604 – a significant drop.
Older iPhone Models Tax Rates
Used and older iPhones also saw tax adjustments. Some models became cheaper. Others saw increases under the uniform tax benchmark system.
iPhone 11 Series:
- iPhone 11: Increased from Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 23,000
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Increased from Rs. 23,500 to Rs. 33,500
iPhone 12 Series:
- iPhone 12 Mini: Rs. 32,500
- iPhone 12 Pro: Rs. 33,500
iPhone 13 Series:
- iPhone 13 Mini & iPhone 13: Rs. 34,000
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Increased from Rs. 36,000 to Rs. 53,000
>iPhone 14 Series:
- Base model: Increased from Rs. 33,000 to Rs. 37,000
- iPhone 14 Pro: Increased from Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 54,000
Why Did PTA Tax Change in 2026?
The FBR issued Valuation Ruling No. 2035/2026 on January 19, 2026. The old valuation was over 18 months old. New phone models launched. Older devices depreciated. Customs needed updated values.
The new system applies uniform tax rates. Even heavily used phones are taxed like well-maintained units. This affects the second-hand market significantly. The changes target commercial imports of used phones without original packaging. The goal is to stop under-invoicing and protect government revenue .
How to Calculate Your iPhone PTA Tax
You can check exact tax for your specific iPhone model through:
- DIRBS portal: Visit https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/
- USSD code: Dial *8484# from your phone
- Mobile carrier offices: Jazz, Zong, Ufone, or Telenor locations
You will need your iPhone’s IMEI number. Dial *#06# to find it.
Passport vs CNIC Registration: Which is Cheaper?
Passport registration has lower tax rates. Non-residents and travelers benefit from this option. The difference can be substantial. For iPhone 16 Pro Max: Passport costs Rs. 182,710 vs CNIC at Rs. 213,631. You save nearly Rs. 31,000 by using passport. CNIC registration applies to Pakistani residents. The rates are higher because residents are expected to pay full duties.
iPhone 17 Series PTA Tax (Latest Models)
The newest iPhone 17 series also has fixed tax rates under valuation ruling 2035/2026:
- Model Tax on CNIC Tax on Passport
- iPhone 17 Rs. 154,300 Rs. 128,500
- iPhone 17 Air Rs. 176,000 Rs. 151,300
- iPhone 17 Pro Rs. 210,300 Rs. 193,500
- iPhone 17 Pro Max Rs. 213,600 Rs. 182,700
What Happens If You Don’t Pay PTA Tax?
Non-payment leads to IMEI blocking. Your iPhone will stop working with all Pakistani SIMs. The device becomes unusable for calls and mobile data. Only WiFi will work.
PTA tax on iPhones in Pakistan changed significantly in 2026. The iPhone 16 series commands the highest taxes, ranging from Rs. 128,000 to over Rs. 213,000. Older models like iPhone 15 now have lower, more reasonable rates after the January tax cuts.
Always check your specific IMEI on the official DIRBS portal. Tax amounts vary by model, condition, and registration method. Plan accordingly to avoid blocked devices and unexpected costs.
