The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has imposed an import ban on a range of products from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, including yarn, powdered milk, tobacco, newsprint, various types of paper, and paperboard.
The new directive was issued on Sunday, April 13, through a gazette notification by NBR's Customs Wing. The ban is implemented under the authority of Section 8(1) of the Customs Act, 2023, and is effective immediately.
According to the notification, the following items are now prohibited from being imported from India: duplex board, newsprint, kraft paper, cigarette paper, fish, yarn, potatoes, powdered milk, tobacco, radio and TV parts, bicycle and motor parts, formica sheets, ceramic ware, sanitary ware, stainless steel products, marble slabs, tiles, and mixed fabrics. However, registered bidi manufacturers are still allowed to import tobacco stems as raw material.
Additionally, certain serial numbers from the previously issued SRO No. 297-Law/2024/89/Customs have been revised with updated product lists. The ban maintains the earlier provision allowing the export of "all exportable goods."
The NBR stated that the ban is designed to protect local industries and prevent illegal re-export or rerouting of goods. Specifically, it aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Bangladesh's domestic industries in textiles, paper, and ceramics. However, some businesses have expressed concerns that the ban may lead to higher costs from alternative sources, potentially affecting consumers.
