Computer Samity calls for withdrawing 5% additional duty on laptop imports
Despite a partial reduction in laptop prices, the increase in the dollar rate and import costs will still be beyond the purchasing power of consumers, BCS President Engineer Subrata Sarker said
The Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) has called for withdrawing an additional 5% duty – on top of the current 5% – on laptop imports imposed in the fiscal 2024-25 budget proposal.
"Laptops are not luxury products anymore. They are the go-to tools for everyone, from freelancers to outsourcing professionals," Subrata Sarker, president of the Samity, said while presenting budget reactions during a press conference at the National Press Club in the capital on Saturday (8 June).
He said laptops are essential for meeting the government's $5 billion export targets and demanded a reconsideration of the additional import duty.
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"Besides, laptops are also recognised as educational tools," he added.
Currently, importers face a total customs tax of 31%, including a 5% duty on laptop imports. However, under the proposed budget, the duty will rise from 5% to 10%, while VAT will be exempt. This change will reduce the total tax incidence to 20.50%.
However, although the price of laptops will decrease partially, it will still exceed the purchasing limit at the consumer level due to the high dollar price and high import costs, said Subrata Sarkar.
He also emphasised that, without hardware, no operation or flow of information technology is possible in any way. Recently, robotics and AI have been included in information technology-enabled services, but hardware services have been neglected.
"It is very important to include hardware services in the definition of IT-enabled services to continue the development of the IT sector," he added.
Seeking withdrawal of the proposed 15% duty on the import of printers and toner cartridges, he said, "The imposition of a 15% customs duty on the import of MFC printers and toner cartridges will result in a total tax incidence of 26%."
Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan, secretary-general of the Samity, called for extending the tax exemption until 2031 to help make IT products more affordable.
Subrata Sarker demanded the withdrawal of the duty on computer monitors up to 27 inches. He also called for the withdrawal of the proposed 1% import duty on capital machinery for investors in economic zones and hi-tech parks.
Additionally, the leaders of the Samity demanded the withdrawal of duties and taxes on all technology products and services, including the internet and mobile phones.
Vice President of the Samity Md Rashed Ali Bhuiyan, Joint Secretary-General SM Wahiduzzaman, Treasurer Anisur Rahman, Director Manjurul Hasan, and HM Shah Newaz were present at the press conference.
