NBR changes cigarette stamp, banderol rules

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced new rules governing the use of stamps and banderols on packets of locally made and imported cigarettes, linking them to the maximum retail price (MRP), number of sticks, packet type and prescribed design. 

The NBR amended the Rules for Determining the Price of Manufactured or Imported Tobacco Cigarettes and the Method of Using Stamps or Banderols on Packets, 2019 to this effect.

The VAT and Supplementary Duty wing of the NBR issued a notification on September 15, which was published in an extra issue of the Bangladesh Gazette the following day.

Under the amended rules, cigarette manufacturers and importers must use stamps or banderols according to the MRP, number of sticks in a packet, packet type and design prescribed by the NBR.

According to the new table, a light green banderol must be used on 10-stick 'shell and slide' packets when the MRP is Tk65 or more per 10 sticks.

For 10- and 20-stick 'hard and soft' packets in the same price range, a light brown stamp must be used.

When the MRP is Tk92 or more per 10 sticks, a light pink banderol must be used on 10-stick 'shell and slide' packets. For 10- and 20-stick 'hard and soft' packets in this price range, a light green stamp must be used.

For cigarettes priced at Tk160 or more per 10 sticks, a light blue stamp must be used on 10-, 12- and 20-stick 'hard and soft' packets.

For cigarettes priced at Tk210 or more per 10 sticks, a light maroon stamp must be used on 10-, 12- and 20-stick 'hard and soft' packets.

The notification said stamps and banderols must be used in accordance with the packet's MRP, number of sticks, packet type and prescribed design, subject to the provisions of Rule 6.

The notification was signed by Ahsan Habib, acting secretary and acting chairman of the NBR, on behalf of the board.

The amended rules will come into effect immediately.