Govt halves source tax on fruit imports

The government has cut the source tax on importing fresh fruits—such as apples, grapes, pears, tangerines, and oranges—from 10 per cent to 5 per cent, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) announced on Thursday, March 13. 

The order, issued on Wednesday, March 12, took effect immediately.  

The reduction applies to a range of fruits, including fresh or dried oranges, citrus fruits, grapes, lemons, apples, and pears. 

This follows a January 9 hike in supplementary duty on imported fruits, which jumped from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, driving up market prices.  

Currently, fruit imports face a hefty tax stack: 25 per cent import duty, 20 per cent regulatory duty, 30 per cent supplementary duty, 15 per cent VAT, and dual 5 per cent advance taxes. 

Market insiders note that these levies total a 136 per cent tax burden—meaning a 100-taka fruit import incurs 136 taka in taxes.