Baggage Declaration Digitized to Discourage Duty Abuse
To curb misuse of baggage benefits, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has made it mandatory for travelers to fill out baggage declaration forms online before exiting the customs hall. The new regulation, part of NBR's passenger-friendly reforms under the Non-Tourist Passenger Baggage Rules 2025, came into effect on Wednesday, July 2.
In a press release issued the same day, the NBR stated that amendments were made to the initial baggage rules published on June 2 following consultations with stakeholders and customs officials on the ground. The updated provisions now include notable relaxations for expatriates bringing in mobile phones and jewelry.
Under the revised policy, travelers may bring one new mobile phone per calendar year without paying any duties. Additionally, Bangladeshi expatriates who hold a BMET card issued by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), and have stayed abroad for at least six months, will be allowed to bring in up to two new mobile phones annually without paying any customs duty or tax.
In terms of jewelry, passengers may now bring a total of up to 100 grams of gold or 200 grams of silver ornaments once per calendar year without paying duties—regardless of whether they travel once or multiple times within the year.
Furthermore, a traveler may import one gold bar weighing 10 tolas per calendar year upon payment of duties and taxes at the rate of Tk 5,000 per tola.
The NBR emphasized that while the policy aims to benefit genuine travelers and expatriates, certain conditions have been applied to prevent abuse.
