Bangladesh customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Adult travellers arriving in Bangladesh in 2026 may bring duty-free personal goods worth up to BDT 3,000 (approx. USD 35), excluding alcohol and tobacco. Cash or negotiable instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Alcohol and tobacco allowances are strictly limited to one option each. Prohibited items include narcotics, pornography, pork products, and firearms without permits. Restricted items require prior approvals from relevant authorities.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+. Non-Muslim travellers are generally allowed this allowance; Muslim travellers may face additional restrictions.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash, traveller's cheques, or other negotiable instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Arrival Form. Failure to declare may result in seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$35
Personal effects and gifts up to a total value of BDT 3,000 (approx. USD 35) are duty-free. Goods exceeding this value are subject to customs duty at the applicable rate. Most electronics, jewellery, or expensive gifts will exceed this threshold.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except for medical use with prior approval from the Directorate General of Drug Administration)
  • Pornographic materials (including printed, digital, or video)
  • Counterfeit currency, coins, or goods
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without a valid import permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs)
  • Pork and pork products (import banned for religious reasons)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (require a prescription and prior approval from the Directorate General of Drug Administration)
  • Live plants, seeds, fruits, and vegetables (require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit from the Department of Agricultural Extension)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require prior clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require an import permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-free allowance is in local currency

The duty-free allowance for personal goods is BDT 3,000, not a fixed USD amount. This is a low threshold; most electronics, jewellery, or expensive gifts will exceed it and incur duty.

Alcohol import is strictly limited

Only 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer is allowed duty-free. Any excess is confiscated or heavily taxed. Non-Muslim travellers are permitted this allowance; Muslim travellers may face additional scrutiny.

Cash declaration is mandatory above USD 10,000

Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Arrival Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Prohibited meat imports

Pork and pork products are banned entirely. Beef and beef products may be restricted; check with the Department of Livestock Services before bringing any meat.

Frequently asked questions

The duty-free allowance is BDT 3,000 (approximately USD 35) for personal effects and gifts. Items above this value are subject to customs duty.
You may bring 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. You must be 18 years or older. Non-Muslim travellers are generally allowed this; Muslim travellers may face restrictions.
Yes, if you are carrying cash, traveller's cheques, or other negotiable instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare them on the Customs Arrival Form.
Drones require prior clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh. Without a permit, they will be confiscated at customs.
Medicines for personal use are generally allowed, but those containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients require a valid prescription and prior approval from the Directorate General of Drug Administration.
You must declare the excess goods and pay applicable customs duty. Failure to declare can result in fines, seizure, or both.

Official source

National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Customs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Customs before travelling.