Govt cuts date import duty by 40 percent ahead of Ramadan

To ensure a steady supply of dates during the upcoming month of Ramadan and keep prices within consumers’ reach, the government has decided to reduce import duties. Customs duty on date imports has been lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent, amounting to an almost 40 percent reduction.

A notification to this effect was issued on December 23. According to the notification, the reduced duty will remain effective until March 31, 2026.

The National Board of Revenue confirmed the decision in a statement on December 24, saying the move was taken in consideration of religious demand and increased consumption of dates during Ramadan.

In addition, amendments to advance income tax rules at the import stage in the previous budget reduced advance income tax on all fruit imports, including dates, from 10 percent to 5 percent. The 50 percent waiver on advance income tax for dates and other fruits granted last year has also been extended for the current year.

The NBR expressed hope that the significant reduction in import duty and advance income tax would boost the supply of dates during Ramadan and keep market prices affordable for consumers.