Mobile phones to become expensive in upcoming budget

Islamabad: Mobile phones are likely to become more expensive as it is expected that more tax on imported luxury items will be imposed in the budget of the next financial year 2023-24.

According to sources of Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), expensive and imported mobiles are likely to become more expensive in the budget, besides the duty on mobiles worth more than $100 is likely to be increased in the budget.

Sources told that imported energy saver bulbs, chandeliers and Liquefied Energy Displays (LEDs) will be expensive. General Sales Tax (GST) on imported electronics items will remain at 25 percent, while sales tax on imported make-up items like lipstick, mascara and face powder will remain at 25 percent.

It is also has been stated that sales tax will also be 25 percent on imported hair colors, dyes, imported pet food, imported branded shoes, imported branded purses for women, imported shampoo, soap and lotion.

In the upcoming budget, the sales tax rate on imported glasses, perfumes, imported private weapons, branded headphones, iPods, speakers, imported luxury utensils, imported doors and windows, bathroom fittings, tiles, sanitary, imported carpets and rugs will be the same at 25%.

Apart from this, sales tax on imported energy drinks, imported juices, vehicles, imported musical instruments, imported biscuits, bakery items, imported chocolate and candy will remain at 25 percent.

Sources stated that Rs55 billion revenue is expected from the sales tax on luxury items at 25 percent.