The NBR lowers import duties on air purifiers to help combat pollution

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reduced the import duty on air purifiers to improve indoor air quality, as Dhaka frequently ranks as the world's most polluted city. 

The new import duty rate is now 10 percent, down from the previous 25 percent. A gazette notification has been issued to formalize this decision. 

Previously, air purifiers were subject to a 25 percent import duty, along with a 3 percent regulatory duty, 5 percent advance tax, 5 percent advance income tax, and 15 percent VAT, bringing the total tax burden to 53 percent.

On December 19, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, urged Dhaka residents to use masks and air purifiers to protect themselves from the adverse effects of pollution. Air purifiers of various brands are available in the market, with prices ranging from Tk 3,000 to Tk 100,000.