Dhaka: The government has announced a significant reduction in the import duty on dates, lowering it by 40 percent to ensure an adequate supply and maintain affordable prices for consumers during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a press release issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) today detailed that the customs duty on date imports has been decreased from 25 percent to 15 percent. This change was made official through a notification on December 23, 2025, and will remain effective until March 31, 2026.
This decision was influenced by the religious significance of dates, particularly for Iftar during Ramadan, aiming to make them accessible to all societal segments. Furthermore, the NBR highlighted that the advance income tax at the import stage for all fruits, including dates, was previously reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent in the last national budget through regulatory amendments.
Additionally, the 50 percent rebate on advance income tax for dates and other fruit imports has been extended for the current year. Officials anticipate that the combined reduction in customs duty and advance income tax will substantially decrease import costs, ensuring a stable supply and preventing unexpected price surges in the domestic market during Ramadan.
The NBR expressed optimism that these measures will help maintain the market price of dates within the purchasing power of general consumers throughout the holy month.