Bringing mobile phones from abroad has long been a popular method for buying new smartphones at a lower cost.
Previously, passengers were allowed to bring two new phones without paying any tax. However, this is set to change under the new baggage rules proposed in the Budget FY25.
According to the new regulations, passengers can now bring a maximum of two old phones without incurring any tax. Any additional phones will incur extra charges. The tax on these will range from Tk5000 to Tk25000, depending on the value of the cell phone.
This new rule is designed to potentially boost the local mobile phone manufacturing industry by making imported phones less financially attractive.
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali presented the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year amounting to Tk797,000 crore (Tk7.97 trillion) in parliament on Thursday.
This was his first budget unveiling and the first budget after the reelection of the Awami League government in January.
