The government has imposed stricter limits on gold imports through baggage while slightly easing rules on mobile phones, prompting industry concerns over a likely increase in gold smuggling.
In a move aimed at tightening control over gold imports, the government on Tuesday introduced new baggage rules that cap the number of times passengers can bring in gold and increase the import duty from BDT 4,000 to BDT 5,000 per bhori (11.66 grams).
Under the revised policy, passengers can now bring one gold bar weighing up to 117 grams or equivalent silver just once a year, compared to the previous allowance of once per trip with no annual cap. A 10-bhori gold bar will now incur a duty of BDT 50,000, up from BDT 40,000.
Similarly, the previously duty-free allowance of 100 grams of gold ornaments or 200 grams of silver per passenger is now limited to a single trip annually.
The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) expressed concern that the tighter controls will push traders and consumers towards the informal market. “Gold is not produced in Bangladesh. This decision will lead to more smuggling,” said BAJUS spokesperson Anwar Hossain.
Authorities have long cited misuse of baggage rules as a loophole exploited by smuggling networks. A report by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) found that nearly 99,791 kg of gold entered the country legally under baggage rules in 2021–2022, but much of it was later smuggled out, especially to India.
Despite government efforts, such as the Gold Policy 2018 and licensed imports by authorised companies, official channels have only met a fraction of the country’s 20–40 tonne annual gold demand. In 2023–24, approximately 45,600 kg of gold was brought in, but industry sources estimate 80% of market demand is still met through illicit routes.
In contrast to the gold restrictions, the government has eased mobile phone import rules. Passengers can now bring in two used and one new phone per year duty-free. Previously, only two phones were allowed without specifying their condition.
Additionally, the time window for correcting baggage declarations has been extended from 7 days to 30 days, offering more flexibility for travelers.
LND/BG
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