Benapole port's revenue target cut after missing last fiscal year's goal

Customs officials remain upbeat, but traders warn import curbs and smuggling could derail collections

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has lowered the revenue target for Benapole Customs House following a steep deficit last fiscal year.

The tax authority set a revenue collection goal of Tk 105.88 billion for the land port, down by Tk 7.02 billion from the previous target.

Customs records show Benapole was tasked with collecting Tk 112.9 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Collections, however, reached only Tk 65.59 billion, leaving a Tk 47.31 billion shortfall.

While customs officials remain hopeful of meeting the revised target, traders voiced scepticism.

Importers warned that hitting the goal requires smoother clearance for legal shipments, stricter anti-smuggling drives, and lifting current trade curbs.

Customs officials uncovered 130 fraud incidents at the port over the past six months.

Authorities also charged 57 individuals, including customs, port, and security personnel alongside traders, in four cases over the alleged smuggling of goods worth nearly Tk 200 million last month.

Benapole Import-Export Association Vice-President Aminul Huq said meeting the target hinges on boosting imports, ensuring transparency, and curbing irregularities.

Benapole Customs House Assistant Commissioner Rahat Hossain said officials are working to boost collection, adding that penal actions and fines are being enforced against offenders.