The jewellers demanded allowing them carry up to two kilograms of jewelleries while coming from abroad.
They said they would pay tax for it but wanted to have this special privilege to help the business grow.
The jewellers also urged the government to formulate a gold policy as it is in the neighbouring countries – India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh Jewellers Samiti (BJS) yesterday presented its budget proposals at a pre-budget meet with National Board of Revenue in Dhaka.
The Samiti sought reducing total tax rate on polished and finished diamond to 15% from 154.74%.
It also urged the government to reduce value added tax (Vat) rate on the purchase of jewelleries to 1.5% from 2%.
BJS said under the existing baggage rules, one passenger can carry maximum 200 grams of gold jewelleries from abroad without duty.
The passengers are only allowed to bring jewelleries, but not bar. Jewelleries weighing over 200 grams even with paying tax are not allowed.
“We urge the NBR to include a special provision for the registered gold traders allowing 2 kg of gold jewelleries paying taxes,” said BJS General Secretary Dewan Aminul Islam.
He said it would not only help the traders but also the country with an increased remittance inflow.
On gold policy he said: “The government has formed a committee for making a gold policy, but we see no result yet.”
The BJS leader said a policy has been a long demand from the local gold traders while the neighbouring countries already have it.
Regarding amendment to baggage rules, he said: “It’s necessary as the country’s jewellery market is mainly dependent on baggage carrying and recycling of old ornaments.”