In recent months, the price of gold in Bangladesh has surged to unprecedented levels, placing significant strain on middle-class households seeking to purchase jewellery. Currently, the price of one bhori (approximately 11.66 grams) of gold has reached nearly BDT 250,000, making even small gifts or personal jewellery increasingly expensive. This steep rise has made it challenging for families to acquire gold for household use or social occasions.
Returning expatriates and travellers frequently bring gold for their families, but it is essential to understand customs regulations and import limits, especially amid soaring gold prices. To facilitate lawful and straightforward importation, the Bangladesh Customs Authority has recently reviewed the rules governing gold imports for the current fiscal year.
The updated regulations aim to simplify duty-free allowances and baggage procedures, ensuring that returning travellers can legally bring gold into the country without unnecessary hurdles.
Gold Import Limits for Travellers
| Type of Gold | Duty/Tax | Maximum Quantity per Traveller | Notes on Excess Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Jewellery | Duty-free | Up to 100 grams (≈ 8 bhori 10 ana) | Maximum 12 pieces allowed |
| Gold Bar | Duty applicable | Up to 10 tola (5,000 BDT duty per tola) | Excess duty must be paid |
According to the new regulations, each traveller is entitled to bring up to 100 grams of gold jewellery duty-free once per year. For gold bars, travellers may import a maximum of 10 tola, subject to a BDT 5,000 duty per tola.
Gold Import Procedures
Returning travellers must complete a baggage declaration form at the airport, providing:
Full name and passport number
Flight number
Nationality
Country of departure
Details of any dutiable items
However, if a traveller brings less than 100 grams of duty-free gold jewellery or under 200 grams of silver jewellery, completing the form is not mandatory. In such cases, they may use the “Green Channel” to exit the airport swiftly.
These updated baggage regulations are designed to make the customs process simpler and more transparent. By facilitating legal gold importation, the rules aim to support returning travellers and mitigate the financial impact of rising global gold prices.
With these measures, expatriates and frequent travellers can now more easily navigate customs while contributing to the formal import economy, aligning with Bangladesh’s broader efforts to streamline cross-border trade.