Indian Fish Imports Nearly Halted at Benapole Over Higher Tariffs
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Fish imports from India through the Benapole land port have nearly come to a standstill after importers suspended operations from the first day of the new fiscal year, citing steep tariff increases in the proposed 2026-27 national budget.
Importers say the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has raised the total tax burden on fish imports from 46 percent to 70 percent, significantly increasing costs and making imports commercially unviable. They warn that the decision could reduce supply in the domestic market, push up prices, and ultimately hurt government revenue.
According to Benapole Customs sources, the duty on freshwater fish has increased from Tk 86.10 per kilogram to Tk 131.60, adding roughly Tk 46 per kg. For marine fish and rohu fish, the duty has risen from Tk 43.10 to Tk 66.10 per kg, an increase of about Tk 24 per kg. The new rates began being implemented immediately after the budget announcement.
Importer Babur said there is strong demand for Indian fish in the local market, but rising import costs have discouraged traders, leading to a sharp decline in supply and rising prices.
Benapole Customs House data shows that in the first 11 months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, revenue fell short of its target by nearly Tk 100 billion. Business leaders fear the shortfall could widen further if imports continue to decline under the new tariff structure.
The slowdown has also affected cargo handling activities at the port. Labourer Rintu said no fish-laden trucks have been processed in the last two days. Truck drivers have echoed similar concerns, urging a review of the increased duties.
Benapole Importers and Exporters Association Joint Secretary Abdul Latif said fish imports had already been declining due to a tax system based on the number of truck wheels instead of actual cargo weight. He warned that the new tariff hike would further discourage imports, negatively impacting trade and government revenue.
According to Awashadul Islam, inspector at the Plant Quarantine and Quality Control Office at Benapole land port, 25 to 30 trucks of fish were arriving daily before the budget announcement. However, imports have now dropped to nearly zero. He added that compared to the same period last fiscal year, fish imports have decreased by around 1,000 metric tons in the current fiscal year.
Benapole Customs House Assistant Commissioner Rahat Hossain said customs authorities are implementing government-set tariff rates. He noted that revenue will depend on import volume, and if imports fall, revenue will decline accordingly. However, he expressed optimism that the revenue target for July would still be achieved.
