The federal government plans to impose a ban on the import of used mobile phones under the new Mobile and Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026-33, unveiled by the Ministry of Industries and Production on Monday.
The policy has been prepared by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with local mobile phone manufacturers. It aims to attract global brands and promote export-led growth through local manufacturing, following models adopted by countries such as India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
The policy was presented during a high-level meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, to review progress and align stakeholders on its objectives and implementation framework.
A detailed presentation was given on the policy, including an assessment comparing the benefits of local assembly with complete imports. Addressing the meeting, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that the primary objective of the policy is to generate local employment and bolster Pakistan’s industrial base.
Under the policy framework, mandatory export targets have been termed counterproductive, citing the auto sector as an example. While quality certification is mandatory for exports, it should not be enforced coercively. The policy also calls for the establishment of government-run local testing laboratories.
The policy proposes penalties linked to performance targets and directs EDB to define minimum component requirements for assembly. Smartphones will require 40 parts per SKD kit, while feature phones will require 15 parts per SKD kit. Valuation rulings are to be institutionalised with participation from EDB, PMPMA, and the Customs valuation directorate.
To prevent under-invoicing, both completely built units (CBUs) and locally manufactured mobile phones are recommended to be placed under the Third Schedule of sales tax. Export targets are proposed to be directly linked with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) implementation.
The policy sets a minimum 30 percent tariff gap between CBU and SKD imports and proposes that the Tax Increment Financing levy may apply to both CBU and SKD imports. It also notes that e-waste management remains a complex issue requiring careful handling.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said the policy will adopt phased localization to encourage foreign investment in high-tech manufacturing and ensure sustainable industrial growth. Special emphasis will be placed on the local manufacturing of key components, including motherboards, PCBs, electronic parts, and display components.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aims to transform Pakistan into an export base for global brands and integrate the country into global value chains. Mobile manufacturers informed the meeting that leading international brands, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Nokia, and others, are potential investors under the new policy framework.
The meeting also highlighted that growth in the mobile sector will positively impact other electronic industries and support broader industrial development. Haroon Akhtar Khan said the policy will introduce an export-oriented and globally competitive industrial framework aligned with international standards.
Strict compliance mechanisms will be enforced under the policy. Incentives will be withdrawn, and penalties imposed in cases of violations related to localization targets, reporting requirements, or operational obligations. In cases of non-compliance, suspension of import licences and financial penalties may also be applied.
Mobile manufacturers stressed the need for quality certification for exports and recommended the establishment of local testing and certification laboratories to meet international standards.
Haroon Akhtar Khan directed both public and private sector stakeholders to work closely to ensure the effective implementation of the policy and achieve Pakistan’s goals of export-led growth and industrial transformation.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, EDB CEO Hammad Mansoor, and representatives of the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA).
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Now be prepare for third class local made devices. Now in Pakistan made Flagships phone which are very rare comes with maximum maximum Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, and build quality is like Q mobile.
Ruling elite wants no general public to allow use high end and standard devices.
If ban will impose on used mobile hope then you can refuse the price on new mobile such as Samsung, iphones and other branded mobile phone. Where as importing phones from Vietnam, India or Bangladesh there is an issue with software which is not as good as manufacturing mobile companies from there origin. Kindly look into the matter of operating system and match the phone made in Samsung factory and Samsung manufacture in India or Vietnam or Bangladesh.