Dhaka, Dec 03 (V7N) – The government has initiated steps to significantly reduce import duty on smartphones, which currently stands at about 61 percent. Additionally, duty and VAT on locally manufactured handsets will also be reduced.

The decisions were made at a meeting on Monday, December 1, chaired by Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor. Officials from the NBR, Ministry of Commerce, Telecommunication Department, and BTRC attended the meeting.

A press release issued on Wednesday detailed that expatriates can use smartphones in Bangladesh without registration for up to 60 days during holidays. Those holding BMET registration cards can bring up to three phones duty-free; tax will apply to the fourth. Expatriates without BMET cards can bring one additional phone free, provided they keep the purchase receipt.

The release also mentioned that stock phones illegally brought into the market before December 16 with valid IMEI numbers are being legalized at a reduced rate. However, cloned and refurbished phones are excluded from this facility. No smartphone activated before December 16 will be shut down.

END/SMA/AJ