Staff writer

New Import Ban Announced by NBR

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has banned the import of several products from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Customs Wing of NBR issued this directive in a gazette notification published on Sunday (April 13). This order has been enforced under Section 8(1) of the Customs Act, 2023.

Which Products Are Banned?

For India, the banned items include:

• Yarn
• Potato
• Powdered milk
• Tobacco
• Newsprint
• Duplex board
• Kraft paper
• Cigarette paper
• Fish
• Radio-TV parts
• Bicycle and motor parts
• Formica sheet
• Ceramicware
• Sanitaryware
• Stainless steelware
• Marble slabs and tiles
• Mixed fabrics

For Nepal and Bhutan:
Only yarn and potatoes produced or processed within these countries will be allowed for import. All other items will remain banned.

Conditional Exemptions in Some Cases

However, the notification includes a provision allowing VAT-registered bidi (local cigarette) manufacturers to import raw tobacco stems as raw material.

Revision and Update of Previous Notification

This new order revises and updates certain serial numbers of products listed under the previous S.R.O. No. 297-Law/2024/89/Customs. The clause regarding “all exportable products” remains unchanged.

Implementation and Purpose

The order is effective immediately. According to customs sources, the primary goals are to protect local industries and prevent illegal re-export or rerouting of goods. This decision aims to maintain competitiveness in the textile, paper, and ceramic industries.

Reactions from Business Community

Some members of the business community have expressed concern over the ban. They fear that sourcing goods from alternative countries will increase import costs, which may eventually affect consumers.