NBR cuts customs duty on date imports ahead of Ramadan

The government has reduced customs duty on the import of dates by 40% ahead of Ramadan, aiming to ensure adequate supply and keep prices within the purchasing capacity of general consumers.

In a press release issued today (24 December), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the existing customs duty on date imports has been lowered from 25% to 15%, reports UNB.

The government issued a gazette notification on 23 December to this effect, and it will remain effective until 31 March 2026.

The NBR noted that the decision has been taken to maintain market stability and prevent an unusual surge in prices during Ramadan, when demand for dates rises significantly as they are traditionally consumed to break the fast.

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In addition to the duty reduction, the NBR highlighted that amendments were made in the last budget to the provisions related to advance income tax (AIT) at the import stage.

Under the revised rules, the AIT applicable to the import of all fruits, including dates, has been reduced from 10% to 5%.

Moreover, the 50% concession on advance income tax for date and fruit imports, which was introduced last year, has been retained for the current year as well, the revenue authority said.

Last month, the NBR said it had reduced import taxes on dates to keep prices stable during Ramadan.

It came down from around 64% to 39%, the NBR said in a notification on 21 November.

The NBR said it believes this decision will multiply the import of dates, increase its supply in the market and keep the prices affordable.

At the time, the total tax on date import included 25% customs duty, 10% advanced income tax, 5% advance tax, and VAT was around 64%.