Massage chairs, foot massagers, massage guns and other body massage equipment could become more expensive in Pakistan after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) revised their customs values.
The revised values will be used to calculate duties and taxes when these products are imported into the country.
The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi issued a new valuation ruling after reviewing import records, market prices and the changing specifications of massage products.
The Directorate said the market for these products has changed significantly since the earlier valuation framework was withdrawn. New models, technologies and features have entered the market, while import data showed major differences between the values declared by importers and those assessed by customs authorities.
Officials also held a meeting with stakeholders as part of the valuation process. Representatives of Healthy Space (Private) Limited told the Directorate that the company imports ZERO brand massage chairs and that most of its products fall into the basic, low-end category.
The company later provided documents related to the weight of the imported chairs, which were considered during the assessment.
The Directorate also reviewed product information for ZERO Healthcare and found that massage chairs are available with different technologies, including 3D and 4D systems.
It said a chair’s brand alone cannot determine its valuation category. The model, technology, specifications and features of each imported product will also be taken into account.
Officials further surveyed retail outlets and showrooms and reviewed prices listed on official company websites. The survey found significant price differences between massage chairs depending on their brand, model, technology and features.
The new valuation exercise also covered foot massagers, massage guns and other body massaging equipment.
The products have now been grouped into six categories for customs valuation: Basic/2D Massage Chairs, 3D Massage Chairs, 4D Massage Chairs, Foot Massagers, Massage Guns and Other Body Massagers/Equipment.
