Bringing an iPhone 15 Pro Max to Pakistan? You’ll need to pay an iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax to register it with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). This tax is required for the legal use of imported smartphones on local networks. In 2025, the PTA tax remains high, especially for premium Apple models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Why the PTA Tax Is Important
PTA tax is a government regulation aimed at curbing illegal imports and ensuring device tracking. When you import an iPhone from abroad and use it in Pakistan, it must be registered with PTA through DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System). Without registration, your phone will stop working on Pakistani SIM cards after a limited grace period.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax helps the government generate revenue and regulate the use of imported mobile phones. While the system adds transparency, it also makes high-end devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max significantly more expensive.
iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax Rates in 2025
As of July 2025, the iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax is PKR 148,500 if registered using a passport. If you are using a CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) instead, the tax goes up to PKR 176,000. These rates apply regardless of storage size or region and are consistent with what users were paying in the previous year. However, any fluctuation in import duties or currency exchange rates could impact these amounts in the future.
It’s also worth noting that the PTA tax is often cheaper when registering with a passport, especially if you have traveled internationally within the last 60 days. That’s because the passport-based registration qualifies for certain exemptions not available with CNIC-based registration.
Understanding the Tax Components
The total PTA tax includes multiple charges. These typically consist of customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, income tax, provincial tax, and a mobile levy. Although exact percentages can vary, the cumulative effect pushes the total tax well above 140,000 rupees for high-end iPhones. Most of these charges are based on the phone’s estimated value in US dollars and converted into Pakistani rupees based on current rates.
This is why Apple devices often have the highest PTA tax rates. Their premium price tags and non-official presence in Pakistan make them subject to full taxation. In contrast, Android phones that are locally assembled or officially launched in Pakistan tend to attract lower PTA duties.
How to Pay PTA Tax
Paying the iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax is straightforward but requires careful steps. Once your phone connects to a local SIM, you’ll likely receive a message from PTA saying that the device is not registered. You can then visit the DIRBS official website, enter your phone’s IMEI number, and check the exact tax amount. The system will generate a PSID code, which is a payment slip ID used to deposit the tax.
You can pay the iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax online through banking apps, ATMs, or visit branches of banks like Meezan, National Bank, or Faysal Bank. Once the payment is processed, your phone is usually registered within a few hours. The registration covers both SIM slots if your iPhone supports dual SIM.
Passport vs CNIC: What’s Better?
One common question people ask is whether to use a passport or CNIC for PTA registration. The answer depends on your travel history. If you’ve traveled abroad in the last 60 days, using a passport is the better choice. It gives you a significant tax discount, which in the case of iPhone 15 Pro Max can save you around 27,500 rupees.
However, if you haven’t traveled recently or don’t have a valid passport, you’ll have to register the phone with your CNIC, which means paying the full tax. Keep in mind that a passport can only be used once in a calendar year for phone registration. If you’ve already used it, you won’t qualify for the discounted rate again.
Latest Trends and Changes in 2025
The iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax in 2025 has remained stable since early this year. Although rumors about changes surface occasionally, there has been no official reduction or increase in the tax rate as of July. Interestingly, the tax structure for the newer iPhone 16 series, expected to launch later in 2025, is likely to follow a similar pattern.
Since Apple does not officially sell iPhones in Pakistan, every iPhone is technically considered an imported device. That’s why even new models come with hefty PTA taxes unless purchased through local dealers who offer “PTA-approved” variants.
Tips for Saving Money
- Register your iPhone 15 Pro Max using your passport within 60 days of arrival in Pakistan to get a lower tax rate.
- Buy from trusted sources to avoid issues with fake or duplicate IMEIs.
- To skip the iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax, consider purchasing a used iPhone already registered in Pakistan.
- Verify the IMEI registration on the PTA DIRBS site before buying any second-hand device.
- You can also buy from local resellers offering PTA-approved iPhones that are already registered.
- PTA-approved phones often come with a warranty, though they may cost more than importing directly.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, owning an iPhone 15 Pro Max in Pakistan means preparing for high iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Taxes. With a passport, the tax is currently PKR 148,500. Using your CNIC will raise it to PKR 176,000. These costs are in addition to the already expensive retail price of the phone.
PTA taxes may seem like a burden, but they are now a mandatory part of owning imported phones in Pakistan. Staying informed and registering your phone on time will save you from service disruptions and legal issues. Make sure to plan your purchase wisely and always verify the latest tax rates on the official DIRBS portal or through trusted tech blogs.
