Returning travellers to Bangladesh can now bring one new mobile phone and two used phones duty-free under the latest clarification from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Any additional new device will incur customs duty ranging from Tk 5,000 to Tk 25,000, depending on its market value.

 Duty-Free Allowance for Travellers

Under the revised Non-Tourist Baggage Rules, travellers are entitled to bring:

One new mobile phone without paying duty.
Two used mobile phones duty-free.
Expatriates who have stayed abroad for at least six months and possess a valid Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) card can bring *two new phones* each year without duty.

Customs Duty for Additional Phones

Any extra phone beyond the duty-free allowance will be subject to a graded duty based on value:

 Phones priced up to Tk 30,000 will incur a duty of Tk 5,000.
 Phones priced between Tk 30,000 and Tk 60,000 will incur a duty of Tk 10,000.
 Phones priced above Tk 60,000 will incur a duty of Tk 25,000.

Why the Clarification Matters

The move aims to simplify baggage rules, reduce confusion at airports, and ensure fair import practices. By defining what counts as duty-free and what does not, the NBR seeks to create transparency in customs operations and curb misuse of the personal allowance system.

What Travellers Should Know

Returning passengers should declare their devices when passing through customs if they exceed the duty-free limit. The allowance applies once per calendar year, and officers will determine whether a device qualifies as “new” or “used.” Expatriates eligible under the BMET scheme should keep their documentation ready to claim the expanded allowance.