Every Pakistani buying a phone faces the same question: should I buy PTA-approved or register a grey import? Let's break down the real costs in 2024.

Understanding PTA Tax Bands

PTA taxes are based on the phone's value (C&F price). Here's the current structure:

• Up to $200: PKR 5,400
• $201 - $350: PKR 11,600
• $351 - $500: PKR 23,000
• $501 - $700: PKR 32,000
• $701 - $1000: PKR 48,000
• Above $1000: PKR 72,000

Hidden Costs of Grey Imports

Beyond PTA tax, grey imports have additional costs:

• Courier/carrier fees: PKR 2,000 - 5,000
• Customs declaration: PKR 500 - 1,000
• Registration processing: PKR 1,000 - 2,000
• Risk of wrong IMEI: priceless (your phone gets blocked)

When Local is Actually Cheaper

For phones under PKR 100,000, the official local unit is almost always better value when you factor in:

• Official warranty (usually 1 year)
• No registration hassle
• Verified accessories

When Grey Import Makes Sense

Grey imports only make sense for:

• Phones not officially sold in Pakistan (Pixel, certain OnePlus models)
• Significant price gaps (PKR 50,000+ difference)
• If you're traveling and have passport exemption

Our Recommendation

For most buyers, stick with official Pakistani variants. The 10-15% savings on grey imports rarely justify the warranty loss and registration hassle.