National Board of Revenue Bans and Restricts Imports from India, Nepal, and Bhutan

National Board of Revenue Bans and Restricts Imports from India, Nepal, and Bhutan

Bangladesh: The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced a ban on the import of several goods from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, along with restrictions on products such as yarn, powdered milk, tobacco, newsprint, and various types of paper and paperboard. The directive, issued under Section 8(1) of the Customs Act, 2023, was published via gazette notification on 13 April and formally announced on 15 April. While the new policy permits the continued import of most products from Nepal and Bhutan, with the exception of yarn and potatoes, a broader ban has been applied to Indian imports. The list of restricted Indian items includes fish, yarn, potatoes, powdered milk, tobacco, newsprint, duplex board, various papers, radio-TV parts, bicycle and motor parts, ceramic and sanitary ware, stainless steel products, formica sheets, mixed fabrics, and marble slabs and tiles. Tobacco stalks, however, may still be imported by VAT-registered bidi manufacturing companies for use as raw material. 

The notification also includes amendments to specific entries in the earlier SRO 297-Law/2024/89/Customs. While adjusting the list of restricted imports, it maintains the eligibility of all exportable items from Nepal and Bhutan, apart from the newly banned goods. According to customs officials, the decision aims to protect domestic industries and discourage unlawful practices such as re-export or rerouting of foreign products. Sectors such as textiles, paper, and ceramics considered particularly exposed to external competition—are expected to benefit from the revised policy.

Source: Jago News24