New Customs Law to Prevent Import Delays

Economic Tag: Import, Vat & Tax

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is taking a stringent approach to prevent delays in clearing import consignments at the port. The new customs law, recently passed in parliament, introduces a provision that requires importers to pay interest to the customs department in addition to port charges if duties, taxes, and other charges are not paid within the specified date.

This move aims to reduce the tendency to keep imported consignments at the port for an extended period, which often leads to congestion. However, some business leaders find this provision illogical and suggest that those causing delays, such as customs, should be liable to pay interest. Additionally, the new law introduces a floating exchange rate for valuing imported shipments, ensuring real-time exchange rates are used for taxation purposes. This change aims to minimize opportunities for any party to gain an unfair advantage.

Source for more details:

Related News

Govt Budget Deficit Rises 73% in Seven Months

May 21, 2025

In the first seven months of FY 2024–25, Bangladesh’s budget deficit surged by 73.04% compared to the same period last year, reaching Tk 384.93 billion. Revenue collection stagnated, with tax revenue at just over 40% of the annual target, primarily from indirect taxes. Total expenditure stood at Tk 2.746 trillion against Tk 2.362 trillion in revenue.

Bangladesh To Import 8.5 Million Bales Of Cotton In MY2025-26

May 15, 2025

Bangladesh is projected to remain the world’s top cotton importer in MY2025-26, with imports reaching 8.5 million bales, ahead of Vietnam’s 8 million, according to the USDA. This surge aligns with a 10.86% year-on-year rise in Bangladesh’s RMG exports to $30.25 billion in the first 10 months of FY25.

Govt Dissolves NBR in Major Reform Move

May 14, 2025

In a major reform move, the Bangladesh government has officially dissolved the National Board of Revenue (NBR) through an ordinance, replacing it with two new divisions—Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration—under the Ministry of Finance. This restructuring, enacted late Monday night with presidential approval

NBR’s New 2% Import Tax Sparks Industry Worries

May 14, 2025

In a bid to boost revenue and reduce tax exemptions, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is planning to impose a 2% Advance Income Tax (AIT) on around 200 previously duty-free imported items. This move is expected to generate an additional Tk2,000 crore but has drawn sharp criticism from businesses and consumer rights groups.

Imports from Pakistan Increase Nearly 10% in 2024

May 13, 2025

Bangladesh's imports from Pakistan rose nearly 10% in 2024, reaching 19.14 lakh tonnes, driven by direct shipping and relaxed customs rules. The launch of the Karachi–Chattogram direct route in November 2024 cut delivery time from 30 to 11 days, slashing costs by a third. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) also eased customs inspections

Parliament to Regulate All Tax Exemptions Starting FY26

May 12, 2025

Starting fiscal year 2025–26, Bangladesh’s parliament will have exclusive authority over tax exemptions, ending the finance ministry and NBR’s discretionary powers. The new "Tax Exemption Policy and Management Framework" mandates that all exemptions—including income tax, VAT, and duty—require parliamentary approval, with temporary measures needing cabinet endorsement and a one-year limit. A five-year cap will apply to all first-time exemptions, countering indefinite waivers. The policy, aligned w

Related News

Govt Budget Deficit Rises 73% in Seven Months

May 21, 2025

In the first seven months of FY 2024–25, Bangladesh’s budget deficit surged by 73.04% compared to the same period last year, reaching Tk 384.93 billion. Revenue collection stagnated, with tax revenue at just over 40% of the annual target, primarily from indirect taxes. Total expenditure stood at Tk 2.746 trillion against Tk 2.362 trillion in revenue.

Bangladesh To Import 8.5 Million Bales Of Cotton In MY2025-26

May 15, 2025

Bangladesh is projected to remain the world’s top cotton importer in MY2025-26, with imports reaching 8.5 million bales, ahead of Vietnam’s 8 million, according to the USDA. This surge aligns with a 10.86% year-on-year rise in Bangladesh’s RMG exports to $30.25 billion in the first 10 months of FY25.

Govt Dissolves NBR in Major Reform Move

May 14, 2025

In a major reform move, the Bangladesh government has officially dissolved the National Board of Revenue (NBR) through an ordinance, replacing it with two new divisions—Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration—under the Ministry of Finance. This restructuring, enacted late Monday night with presidential approval

NBR’s New 2% Import Tax Sparks Industry Worries

May 14, 2025

In a bid to boost revenue and reduce tax exemptions, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is planning to impose a 2% Advance Income Tax (AIT) on around 200 previously duty-free imported items. This move is expected to generate an additional Tk2,000 crore but has drawn sharp criticism from businesses and consumer rights groups.

Imports from Pakistan Increase Nearly 10% in 2024

May 13, 2025

Bangladesh's imports from Pakistan rose nearly 10% in 2024, reaching 19.14 lakh tonnes, driven by direct shipping and relaxed customs rules. The launch of the Karachi–Chattogram direct route in November 2024 cut delivery time from 30 to 11 days, slashing costs by a third. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) also eased customs inspections

Parliament to Regulate All Tax Exemptions Starting FY26

May 12, 2025

Starting fiscal year 2025–26, Bangladesh’s parliament will have exclusive authority over tax exemptions, ending the finance ministry and NBR’s discretionary powers. The new "Tax Exemption Policy and Management Framework" mandates that all exemptions—including income tax, VAT, and duty—require parliamentary approval, with temporary measures needing cabinet endorsement and a one-year limit. A five-year cap will apply to all first-time exemptions, countering indefinite waivers. The policy, aligned w

BUSINESSMONITOR

Connect with


Dont Have Account? Please register Here