Written by The Banking Post
Mobile phone prices are set to ease after the National Board of Revenue cut customs duty on imported handsets by 60 per cent, aiming to keep devices affordable amid rising living costs and support wider access to digital services.
Under two statutory regulatory orders issued this week, customs duty on imported finished mobile phones has been reduced to 10 per cent from 25 per cent. At the same time, the duty on raw materials and components used by local assemblers has been lowered to 5 per cent from 10 per cent to shield domestic producers from uneven competition.
The revenue authority said the move is designed to balance consumer interest with the sustainability of the local mobile phone assembling industry.
As a result of the revised duty structure, the price of an imported finished handset priced above Tk 30,000 is expected to fall by around Tk 5,500. Locally assembled phones in the same segment may see prices decline by about Tk 1,500.
Officials said mobile phones have become essential for communication, digital financial services, e-governance and education, making affordability a key policy priority. The government, they added, will continue efforts to keep handset prices within consumers’ reach as part of its broader digital inclusion agenda.
Alongside the duty cuts, authorities have rolled out the National Equipment Identity Register to curb the use and trade of illegal, counterfeit and unregistered mobile phones. The system requires every handset to be registered through its unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number before accessing cellular networks.
Regulators say the platform will help block stolen and smuggled devices, reduce grey market imports, improve network security and ensure fair competition for compliant importers and manufacturers.
However, the rollout has sparked protests from mobile phone traders, particularly small and medium retailers, who fear business disruptions and added financial and administrative burdens. They have called for a longer transition period, clearer guidelines and an amnesty for existing stock before full enforcement.
