Mobile Import Duty Slashed to 10%, NEIR Rollout Cleared
Bangladesh has reduced customs duty on mobile phone imports from 25 percent to 10 percent, following a decision taken at a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening, January 1.
According to meeting sources, several participants opposed such a sharp cut in import duties, arguing that it could discourage local manufacturing. However, considering prevailing market realities, the cabinet approved a 60 percent reduction in customs duty. The move is expected to result in an estimated revenue loss of around Tk 3.5 billion for the government in the current fiscal year.
After the meeting, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said the customs duty on mobile phone imports has been reduced by nearly 60 percent. Compared to products such as cars, electrical equipment and computers, mobile phones have received a significantly larger duty cut. He also announced that mobile phones already imported and held by traders will be approved in the NEIR system as stock-lots without any additional duties.
Explaining the rationale behind NEIR implementation, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said importers pay various taxes on imported goods, including customs duty. With the government reducing import duties and accepting all reasonable demands regarding the legalization of phones already in the market, the path has now been cleared for NEIR enforcement.
He added that customs duty for legal mobile importers has been reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent, while for local manufacturers it has been lowered from 10 percent to 5 percent—representing reductions of 60 percent and 50 percent respectively. The government expects these measures to encourage both legal imports and domestic production, while bringing handset prices down to more affordable levels.
In this context, the special assistant strongly condemned the recent attack and vandalism at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building, stating that those responsible will be brought to justice. He also warned that strict operations will be launched at all land ports and airports to prevent illegal mobile phone imports.
Referring to the attack on the BTRC building on Thursday afternoon, he described the incident as disgraceful and anti-state, and reiterated that all perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted under the law.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb further noted that the killing of Shahid Osman Hadi has caused nationwide concern, with investigators reportedly finding 17 active SIM cards linked to the accused. Against this backdrop, law enforcement agencies have been strongly advocating for NEIR implementation and a reduction in the number of SIMs per individual.
“The government had promised that NEIR would be enforced only after duties were rationally reduced. With today’s cabinet decision, that promise has been fulfilled, and the government is now fully prepared to implement NEIR,” he said. From a humanitarian perspective, expatriates returning to Bangladesh will be allowed to use their phones for up to three months without registration. If their stay exceeds three months, registration will be required thereafter.
He added that, similarly, phones used by general consumers will not be blocked for the next three months, while traders’ stock-lots will be regularized. For this purpose, BTRC will only need to be provided with a list of legally imported handset IMEI numbers.
Emphasising the government’s position, he said all valid and reasonable demands have been accepted—duties have been reduced, and even illegally imported phones have been given an opportunity to be brought under the legal framework.
However, he warned that those involved in the attack and vandalism at BTRC will not be spared. Alongside ensuring free and fair elections, NEIR is crucial for digital security. Accordingly, strict protective provisions have been incorporated into the new Telecommunications Ordinance to prevent misuse of SIMs and databases, with tough penalties prescribed for violations.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has also issued a stern warning, stating that those involved in the attack on the BTRC building will face legal action. If necessary, enforcement drives may be conducted in markets across the country to seize illegally imported and sold mobile phones, and all concerned have been urged to comply with the law.
DBTech/IH/OR
