The government has reduced customs duty on the import of dates by 40 per cent ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to ensure adequate supply and keep prices within the purchasing capacity of general consumers.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the existing customs duty on date imports has been lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent.

The government issued a gazette notification on December 23, 2025 to this effect and it which will remain effective until March 31, 2026.

The NBR noted that the decision has been taken to maintain market stability and prevent an unusual surge in prices during Ramadan, when demand for dates rises significantly as they are traditionally consumed to break the fast.

In addition to the duty reduction, the NBR highlighted that amendments were made in the last budget to the provisions related to advance income tax (AIT) at the import stage.

Under the revised rules, the AIT applicable to the import of all fruits, including dates, has been reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent.

Moreover, the 50 percent concession on advance income tax for date and fruit imports, which was introduced last year, has been retained for the current year as well, the revenue authority said.