The government has reduced customs duty on date imports by 40 percent ahead of Ramadan to ensure adequate supply and keep prices affordable for consumers.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) announced that the duty on dates has been reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent.
A gazette notification was published on 23 December, confirming the change, which will remain effective until 31 March, 2026.
The NBR explained that the move aims to stabilize the market and prevent sharp price hikes during the fasting month, when demand for dates traditionally surges as they are widely consumed to break the fast.
Alongside the duty cut, the revenue authority pointed out that last year’s budget introduced changes to advance income tax (AIT) at the import stage. Under the revised structure, AIT on all fruit imports, including dates, has been lowered from 10 percent to 5 percent.
In addition, the 50 percent rebate on advance income tax for date and fruit imports, introduced last year, will continue this year as well, the NBR confirmed.
