The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has significantly reduced the customs values on the import of old and used computers, laptops, printers, and their auxiliaries and accessories from all origins. This move is aimed at facilitating importers and reflecting the current market trends more accurately.
The announcement came through the issuance of a new valuation ruling (2000 of 2025), which revises the previous rates downward, making it more affordable for businesses and individuals to import second-hand technology equipment into Pakistan.
New Valuation Ruling to Benefit Importers
According to the newly issued valuation ruling, the downward revision in customs values will immediately apply to the import of:
- Used and old computer systems
- Laptops
- Printers
- Auxiliaries and accessories associated with these products
This change is expected to boost the technology resale market in Pakistan, making used electronics more accessible for small businesses, students, and budget-conscious buyers.
Why Was the Customs Value Revised?
The Directorate General revealed that the previous valuation ruling was over a year old and no longer reflected the realities of the market. In compliance with Sections 25 and 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, an exercise was conducted to analyze:
- Imported data
- Current market trends
- Differences in market prices
- Changes in customs values globally
The department organized meetings involving relevant stakeholders, including major importers and market representatives. During these consultations, stakeholders emphasized that prices for old models and previous-generation devices had fallen considerably in the global market, and the customs values should be adjusted accordingly.
Taking all these factors into account, the Directorate decided to revise customs values downward to ensure fairer assessment of duties and taxes on imports.
Impact on the Technology and Import Sector
This decision is likely to energize the technology import sector in Pakistan. With lower duties on older electronics:
- Importers can now bring in larger consignments at reduced costs.
- Resellers and small businesses can offer affordable laptops, computers, and printers to the public.
- Students and freelancers looking for budget-friendly technology will have more options.
- Local markets could see increased competition, leading to better pricing for consumers.
Additionally, reduced customs duties may encourage greater legal import activity and discourage under-invoicing and misdeclaration practices, contributing to better compliance and increased government revenue in the long run.
A Closer Look at the New Valuation Ruling
The ruling has laid out the transaction value method for the assessment of duties and taxes, meaning that the actual invoice value, if aligned with market prices, will form the basis of customs duty calculation.
This method ensures:
- Transparency in the customs clearance process
- Fair valuation based on current prices
- Ease of doing business for genuine importers
By acknowledging the natural depreciation in the value of older technology products, the Customs department has demonstrated its intent to support economic activity and adapt to evolving market conditions.
A Win-Win for Importers and Consumers
The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi’s decision to lower the customs values on old and used computers, laptops, printers, and their accessories is a welcome relief for the technology import industry in Pakistan.
It reflects a pragmatic approach, balancing government revenue interests with market realities. Importers can expect reduced costs, while consumers will likely benefit from more affordable tech options in the market.
As technology becomes an ever more critical part of education, freelancing, and business in Pakistan, such moves are not just economically smart — they are essential for bridging the digital divide and supporting innovation across the country.
