United News of Bangladesh

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) slashed customs duty on imported mobile phones by 60 per cent aimed at keeping handset prices within the purchasing capacity of consumers amid rising living costs. It issued two separate statutory regulatory orders in this regard. According to an NBR notification, the customs duty on imported finished mobile phones has been reduced to 10 per cent from the existing 25 per cent. The revenue authority said the decision was taken to ensure that mobile phones remain affordable for the general public and to facilitate wider access to digital services. Read more: NBR links ASYCUDA World with BGMEA e-UD system to modernise bond management To protect local mobile phone assembling companies from facing adverse competition due to the duty cut on finished handset imports, the NBR simultaneously reduced customs duty on the import of raw materials and components used by domestic assemblers. In another notification, the duty on importing such components has been lowered to 5 per cent from 10 per cent. The NBR said the dual measures were designed to strike a balance between consumer interest and the sustainability of the domestic mobile phone assembling industry. As a direct impact of the revised duty structure, the government estimates that the price of each imported finished mobile phone priced above Tk 30,000 will fall by around Tk 5,500. Meanwhile, the price of each locally assembled mobile phone in the same price segment is expected to decline by approximately Tk 1,500. With mobile phones playing a critical role in communication, digital financial services, e-governance and education, ensuring affordability has become a key policy priority, NBR officials said. The revenue authority also reaffirmed that the government’s efforts to keep mobile phone prices within the reach of consumers would continue in line with its broader goal of promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to technology across the country. At the same time, Bangladesh has introduced the National Equipment Identity Register as a major regulatory step aimed at curbing the use and trade of illegal, counterfeit and unregistered mobile handsets, strengthening consumer protection and safeguarding government revenue. Launched under the supervision of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the NEIR system requires every mobile phone to be registered through its unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number before it can access cellular networks. Authorities say the platform will help block stolen or smuggled devices, reduce grey market imports, improve network security and ensure a level playing field for compliant importers and manufacturers who pay applicable duties and taxes. Read more: NBR launches e-VAT module for paper-based returns However, the rollout has triggered protests from mobile phone traders across the country particularly small and medium retailers who fear that the system could disrupt business and impose new financial and administrative burdens. Protesters have demanded a longer transition period, clearer guidelines, amnesty for existing stock and stronger public awareness campaigns before full enforcement.

The government has reduced customs duty on the import of dates by 40 percent ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to ensure adequate supply and keep prices within the purchasing capacity of general consumers. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the existing customs duty on date imports has been lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent. The government issued a gazette notification on December 23, 2025 to this effect and it which will remain effective until March 31, 2026. The NBR noted that the decision has been taken to maintain market stability and prevent an unusual surge in prices during Ramadan, when demand for dates rises significantly as they are traditionally consumed to break the fast. In addition to the duty reduction, the NBR highlighted that amendments were made in the last budget to the provisions related to advance income tax (AIT) at the import stage. NBR chief calls for expanded VAT registration to cut reliance on imports Under the revised rules, the AIT applicable to the import of all fruits, including dates, has been reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent. Moreover, the 50 percent concession on advance income tax for date and fruit imports, which was introduced last year, has been retained for the current year as well, the revenue authority said.

The Ministry of Commerce has urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to withdraw customs duty on onion import, aiming to keep its price stable in the market. The ministry also urged the NBR to slash import duties on crude soybean oil, palm oil and sugar to cool the overheated domestic market. Read:Price hike in Bangladesh: Unseen sufferings of shy middle class The request was made at a meeting of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat on Monday to keep the stock, supply, import and price situation of the commodities stable. “NBR has been requested to withdraw the import duty on onion, and reduce the duties on crude soybean, palm oil and unrefined sugar in public interest,” additional secretary to Import and Internal Trade division of the Commerce Ministry AHM Safiquzzaman said at the meeting.