The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has cut import taxes on dates from 64% to 39%, aiming to stabilize prices during Ramadan. As per the notification on 21 November 2024, the revised tax structure lowers customs duty to 15% (from 25%) and advanced income tax to 3% (from 10%), resulting in a total reduction of 25%. The move is expected to boost imports, enhance market supply, and keep prices affordable. Importers welcomed the decision, although many had already opened letters of credit under the previous tax rate, and urged authorities to align customs valuation with actual market rates.
On 14 November 2024, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) proposed this reduction to the Finance and Commerce Ministries and the NBR. The BTTC highlighted flaws in the customs valuation system and emphasized the need for accurate procedures. Bangladesh consumes 50,000–60,000 tonnes of dates during Ramadan, out of an annual demand of 1–1.1 lakh tonnes.
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