Dhaka, Sept 16, 2026: The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reduced the tax burden on imports of solar power equipment and parts to 1% to accelerate renewable energy development in Bangladesh.
The NBR issued the latest order in line with a recent Cabinet decision to reduce the import duty on solar panels and related equipment and components to 1%.
Under a notification issued Wednesday, importers will be exempted from customs duty above 1%, regulatory duty, supplementary duty, VAT, advance tax and advance income tax on specified solar power equipment and components.
The facility will remain effective for 180 days from the date of the notification and has also been extended to commercial importers, who were previously excluded from the benefit.
The NBR said the measure was introduced amid the global energy crisis and domestic electricity shortages to facilitate faster expansion of solar power.
Previously, following a budgetary exemption announced in June, the total tax burden on eligible solar equipment stood at 17%, comprising 15% VAT and 2% advance income tax. The latest decision reduces the overall burden to 1%.
The NBR expects the measure to lower solar project costs, accelerate the addition of new generation capacity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security and sustainable economic development.
