NBR Slashes Source Tax for Cancer Drug Raw Materials to 2%

Industry: Healthcare & Pharma, Pharma
Economic Tag: Vat & Tax

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reduced the source tax on the import of raw materials used in cancer drug production from 5% to 2%, aiming to lower production costs and make oncology medicines more affordable. This move is expected to benefit both pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients by reducing drug prices. According to Aminul Islam Khan, Chairman & MD of Ziska Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh already offers some of the cheapest oncology drugs globally, thanks to its ability to produce generic versions without patent restrictions. This tax cut will further strengthen the country’s cancer drug exports to developed markets like Europe and Australia, reinforcing Bangladesh’s position as a key supplier of high-quality, cost-effective oncology treatments.

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