Dhaka: The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Monday issued a clarification to streamline the release of imported goods meant for solar power generation. This move comes in the wake of reports highlighting delays and complications during the assessment of such consignments at various customs houses and land customs stations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the issued circular states that the existing notification on capital machinery and the notification dated June 8, 2026, concerning renewable solar power generation and supply, include Solar Photovoltaic/Module/Panel under HS Code 8541.43.00. The NBR elaborated that importers declaring multiple solar power generation-related items in a single Bill of Entry can avail themselves of the applicable benefits. This would be done by using the Customs Procedure Code (CPC) under the capital machinery notification for solar panels and the CPC under the renewable energy notification for other qualifying items, provided they meet the prescribed conditions.
Furthermore, the revenue board clarified that the concessional duty and tax benefits stated in the June 8 notification are applicable to solar inverters. An error was noted in the notification, where HS Code 8504.40.90 was incorrectly mentioned for Solar Inverters instead of HS Code 8504.40.40. However, the product description will take precedence, ensuring eligible imports of solar inverters receive the intended concessional benefits.
The NBR also specified that manufacturing enterprises planning to set up solar plants can import all necessary equipment by paying only a 1 percent customs duty, subject to compliance with conditions outlined in the relevant notifications on capital machinery and related policy. On the other hand, commercial importers will be able to clear eligible consignments by paying 1 percent customs duty, 7.5 percent advance tax, and 5 percent advance income tax. The advance tax and advance income tax will be adjustable as per the clarification.
This circular was issued under Section 266 of the Customs Act, 2023. It is anticipated that this clarification will minimize procedural complexities at customs points, leading to faster clearance of equipment necessary for solar power generation.