Baggage Rules: Duty-free privilege now only three times a year

The new budget brings bad news for a section of businessmen as it limits to three the number of times a year they can bring along goods through land ports duty free.

The present baggage rules allow a person to bring along $ 400-worth goods tax free, irrespective of the number of times the person comes in.

Some businessmen, widely referred to as “luggage party”, make use of this facility to bring in Indian goods.

An official of the National Board   of Revenue, Bangladesh says this deprives the country of revenue and is a drawback for those having to pay tax to import goods.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith's proposals for the baggage rule for the next fiscal year include withdrawal of the Tk 5,000 tax for televisions measuring 22" to 29".

Another says Tk 70,000 still has to be paid for those measuring 53" and above, albeit up to 62". Those carrying televisions sized 66" and above will be charged Tk 90,000.

Another withdraws tax on carpets with a maximum area of 15 square metres. For every square metre afterwards, Tk 150 has to be paid.