Businesses will now be able to import an increased number of products from India through the country's land customs stations (LCSs).
In a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) dated July 17, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has increased the number of importable products that were restricted for those LCSs earlier.
Businesspeople will now be allowed to import readymade garment (RMG) goods, clinker and spare parts for motorcycles, fly ash, rice, spices and fruits through more LCSs, according to the SRO.
The NBR has revised the list based on the demand from local businesses and other stakeholders, officials concerned said.
Also, the Indian government made requests earlier in different meetings of Joint Group of Customs to relax the list of products for LCSs.
Officials said the NBR updated the list of products in 2015.
Import of rice, RMG products, spare parts (tyres and others) for motorcycles, wielding rod and dried fish would be allowed through Sheola LC station.
Soybean extract, rapeseed extract, maize, dry oil rice bran, rice and diesel could be brought in through Birol (rail route) LCS while livestock could be imported through Tamabil LCS.
Through Darshana (rail route) LCS, importers will be able to bring in sponge iron, pig iron and clinker.
Fly ash, limestone, sandstone, road stone, dried fish, maize, rapeseed extract, soybean oil, soybean extract, dry oil rice bran and de-oiled cake could be imported through Rohanpur (rail route) LCS.
Rice and rubber sandal could be imported through Zakiganj LCS and clinker through Narayanganj (steamer route).
Restrictions on import of fly ash, fresh and dry fruits, fresh vegetables and various types of spices, imitation jewellery and some other products through Bhomra LC station have been withdrawn.
In the SRO, the NBR allowed import of spare parts for CNG auto-rickshaws through Bibirbazar LC station in Cumilla.
Import of raw rubber, maize, stone boulder, soybean seeds, bamboo products, arjun flower, betel leaf and CNG spare parts would be allowed through Akhaura LC station in Brahmanbaria.
NBR also widened the list of importable products from India through Banglabandha LC station.
Bangladesh has 184 LC stations at borders with neighbouring countries --- India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. Most of these LC stations are located at border with India.
However, trade between Nepal and Bhutan is conducted using Indian territories.
The list of goods in case of import from Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar remained unchanged.
Officials said most of the LCSs remained inoperative over years. Only 34 LCSs remain operative.
It has been alleged that the LCSs were opened with the persuasion of influential quarters. They purposefully used the LCSs once or twice after opening.
Benapole is the largest land port of the country. Almost 80 per cent of the land border trade is conducted through the port.
Import of yarn (except bond licence-holders) and powdered milk is restricted through the Benapole LCS.
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