The apparel sector has demanded the waiver of duties on the import of building and fire safety equipment in the next budget to ensure safer working condition in readymade garment (RMG) factories.
They said the exemption would enable them to bring in gadgets at reasonable costs to and raise safety standards as sought by global buyers.
The leaders of the three apparel sector bodies – the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) – raised the issue in pre-budget talks with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Thursday.
Besides, the businessmen also demanded duty, tax and value added tax (VAT) exemptions in other areas as well.
BGMEA President Atiqul Islam said, “The government should allow duty-free import of fire safety equipment to make the readymade garment factories safe and risk-free.”
He said the industry would be financially crippled if it were to comply with safety standards without the duty exemption.
The BGMEA leader also sought waiver of import duty on raw materials for prefabricated steel buildings to be erected by the manufacturers for the sector’s quick development.
“In most cases, duties are imposed at source for both raw materials and the items produced from the raw materials. The government should to stop this double taxation.”
Islam also demanded that the earnings from the multi-storied buildings in the Gazipur, Tongi, Savar and Narayanganj industrial areas be also made tax-free.
In addition, he wanted the removal of VAT imposed on the water, electricity and gas supplied to the apparel sector.
BKMEA First Vice President Mohammad Hatem sought time extension for the submission of audited documents to six months from the present three months.
He was also against the submission of VAT returns by apparel industries.
BTMA President Jahangir Alamin said, “Installation of fire doors has now become essential. We demand that the import of essential fire safety equipment be made duty-free for sake of compliance and safety.”
The representatives of Exporters’ Association of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Terry Towel & Linen Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association, Knitting Owners’ Association, Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association and Bangladesh Jute Spinners’ Association were also present.
NBR Member (Customs and Policy) Farid Uddin presided over the meeting held at the NBR conference room.
NBR Members Syed Aminul Karim and Firoz Shah Alam were also present.
Source: Bd news24
