Importers to halt fruit clearance at ports for two days over VAT, duty hike

The Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers' Association has announced a two-day suspension of fruit clearance from all ports in the country protesting the government's recent decision to increase VAT and additional import duties on fruits.

As per the organisation's protest, fruit clearance will be halted on Tuesday (4 February) and Wednesday (5 February).

Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, the association's President Muhammad Sirajul Islam said, "Following our previous schedule, we will halt fruit clear from all ports, including Chattogram Port, on 4-5 February. After that, we will enforce an indefinite suspension if necessary. 

"We have long urged the government to reduce import duties on fruits. Instead of addressing our demands, an additional 10% supplementary duty was imposed recently, which we strongly oppose."

Muhammad Touhidul, general secretary of the Chattogram Fruit Traders' Association, said, "We submitted a memorandum to the NBR chairman, requesting the withdrawal of the increased VAT and additional duties. We warned that failure to comply would lead to a halt in fruit unloading. Since our demands were ignored, we have no choice but to enforce the suspension."

He further said if their demands are not met by 13 February, they will impose an indefinite suspension starting the next day.

Earlier on 30 January, fruit traders formed a human chain in front of the Railway Men's Club in Chattogram, demanding a reduction in customs' duties on fruit imports.