Are you planning to buy an iPhone or already using a non-PTA device in Pakistan?
Before you get stuck with a phone that only works on WiFi, it’s essential to understand PTA tax rules. Whether you’re importing the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max or activating an older model, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requires every mobile phone to be registered for SIM usage — and yes, taxes apply based on your iPhone model and whether you use CNIC or Passport registration.
This detailed 2025 guide explains everything, including tax rates, approved pricing, and how to check tax instantly using our iPhone PTA Tax Calculator.
What Is PTA Tax & Why Are There Two Prices?
PTA tax is a government-imposed registration fee collected by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for all imported mobile devices, including iPhones. Without paying this tax, your phone will be blocked from accessing SIM networks in Pakistan meaning it won’t support calls, texts, or mobile data.
This tax system was launched under DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System) in 2018. The goal? To:
- Combat mobile phone smuggling
- Control the use of stolen or fake IMEI devices
- Ensure customs revenue collection
- Link phones to a verified CNIC or Passport to reduce fraud and illegal activities
DIRBS cross-verifies IMEI numbers of devices with local and international records. If your phone isn’t registered, it will eventually get blocked on all networks.
The PTA offers two separate tax brackets based on your identity:
| Type | Who It’s For | Tax Amount |
| CNIC | Local residents in Pakistan | Higher |
| Passport | Travelers & overseas Pakistanis | Lower |
This difference was introduced to offer relief to overseas Pakistanis or travelers who bring phones for personal use under the personal baggage rule — they pay less tax than someone buying/selling a phone locally.
How iPhone PTA Tax is Calculated in Pakistan
PTA tax isn’t random — it’s based on a defined formula issued by the Government of Pakistan, applied on the customs value of each mobile phone model. This process is handled by FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) under their valuation and tax rulings.
The taxes shown below are based on the official tax data released by FBR in 2023.
Pakistan has formally unveiled its tax structure for all imported iPhones. Each iPhone model has a different tax rate, depending on the device specifications and whether it’s being registered using CNIC or Passport.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Check the Customs Value of the iPhone
FBR sets a custom USD value for each iPhone model, which is published in the Valuation Ruling 1999/2025 (PDF). - Convert USD to PKR
The USD value is converted into Pakistani Rupees based on the current exchange rate at the time of assessment. - Apply the Official Duty Formula
According to this FBR tax sheet, the following duties and taxes are applied:- Customs Duty (CD)
- Regulatory Duty (RD)
- Sales Tax (ST)
- Income Tax / Withholding Tax (WHT)
- Mobile Levy (based on model)
- Add All Taxes Together
The final PTA tax = Total of all these charges. The amount is different if you’re registering via:- CNIC (Local registration) – Higher
- Passport (Travel-based registration) – Lower’
Quick Snapshot of iPhone PTA Taxes
PTA Tax on iPhone 16 Series in Pakistan – 2025
PTA tax on iPhone 16 models depends on the process of registration — either via CNIC or Passport. As the latest Apple release, these phones fall into the highest tax bracket due to their luxury status and elevated import value.
| iPhone 16 Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 144,723 | 120,066 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 152,379 | 127,026 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 163,864 | 137,467 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 183,005 | 154,868 |
PTA Tax on iPhone 16 Series in Pakistan – 2025
PTA tax on the iPhone 15 lineup is one of the highest so far. The registration tax is calculated based on government-assigned custom values and varies depending on whether the registration is via CNIC or Passport.
| iPhone 15 Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | 134,750 | 111,000 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 143,000 | 118,500 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 161,480 | 135,300 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 176,000 | 148,500 |
PTA Tax on iPhone 14 Series in Pakistan – 2025
If you’re buying or planning to use an iPhone 14 in Pakistan, keep in mind the applicable PTA taxes. The tax rates differ by model and are typically higher for Pro and Pro Max versions due to their luxury classification.
| iPhone 14 Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | 130,708 | 107,325 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 137,033 | 113,075 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 147,153 | 122,275 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 156,893 | 131,130 |
PTA Tax on iPhone 13 Series in Pakistan – 2025
iPhone 13 models remain widely popular and are still subject to PTA tax when imported or brought into Pakistan. The rates below show the estimated tax according to both CNIC and Passport routes.
| iPhone 13 Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | 118,380 | 90,880 |
| iPhone 13 Mini | 107,432 | 86,165 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 128,874 | 105,658 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 137,873 | 110,373 |
PTA Tax on iPhone 12 Series in Pakistan – 2025
Even though the iPhone 12 series is a few years old, you still need to pay PTA tax for registration. Here are the latest rates based on FBR’s 2023 custom valuation data.
| iPhone 12 Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | 107,432 | 86,165 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | 94,078 | 75,450 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 125,205 | 103,335 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 130,708 | 107,325 |
PTA Tax on iPhone 11 Series in Pakistan – 2025
Planning to use or buy an iPhone 11 model in Pakistan? Check the estimated PTA tax based on the model type and registration method:
| iPhone 11 Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | 86,689 | 67,308 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 115,148 | 93,180 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 119,196 | 96,860 |
PTA Tax on iPhone X, XR, and XS Series in Pakistan – 2025
Although slightly older, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max models still require PTA clearance in Pakistan. Below are the latest applicable taxes:
| Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS | 109,266 | 87,833 |
| iPhone XS Max | 112,871 | 91,110 |
| iPhone XR | 50,182 | 40,620 |
| iPhone X | 87,753 | 68,275 |
PTA Tax on iPhone 8 & iPhone SE – 2025
These compact and affordable Apple models still need to be registered with PTA. Here’s what you’ll pay to register them:
| Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE | 47,403 | 38,094 |
| iPhone 8 | 48,314 | 38,922 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | 50,546 | 40,091 |
PTA Tax on iPhone 7 Series – 2025
While very old, iPhone 7 models are still used in Pakistan — and PTA registration is still required if the device was imported.
| Model | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 7 | 31,488 | 27,555 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | 45,186 | 36,645 |
Advice
iPhones getting more expensive and PTA taxes rising annually, it’s smart to calculate your cost before buying. Whether you choose CNIC or Passport, knowing your tax in advance helps avoid legal issues or SIM blockage.
