The government has decided to further simplify the baggage rule against the backdrop of widespread allegation by Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) about harassment and unusual delay on arrival at the airports.
Existing customs rules on checking of baggage are still complex despite some amendments made to them, said a customs official.
Customs duty has been imposed on some ordinary items, which the passengers bring with them for daily use or as part of hobby.
In 2008-09 budget, the government waived duty on some of the items like 21 inch television, video camera etc.
Some accessories coming with the duty-free items are not included in the duty waiver list. The issue is under consideration of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the official said citing example that video camera is enjoying duty-free access but its tripod is not.
The NBR chairman, who paid a surprise visit to the ZIA international airport last week, instructed the customs inspection officials to give a proposal or lists of some items that is associated with the items enjoying duty-free access in the airport under baggage rules.
"I have instructed the customs inspection team to give a report by 45 days on the list of products that require further liberalisation," NBR chairman Muhammad Abdul Mazid said.
The revenue board has take the move to simplify the baggage rules to ensure a hassle free environment and save time at the airports, especially for the NRBs, the NBR chief said.
Some items are entitled to enjoy duty-free access under the baggage rule, while their accessories are not getting the facility, he said.
Such a situation often creates problems at the time of customs clearance, he added.
Recently, finance adviser Mirza Azizul Islam also hinted at further simplification of the baggage rules following the plea from the NRBs.
In the budget speech on June 9, finance adviser Mirza Azizul Islam said: "Non-resident Bangladeshi foreign exchange earners bring with them some ordinary electronic appliances when they come back home. But as these items are subject to duties and taxes, they face difficulties, I propose duty free clearance of such items by amending the existing baggage rule."
