No more extra 5.0 per cent VAT at Shwapno supershop

On January 9, a directive from the VAT Law and Regulations Division of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) stated that, according to the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the VAT rate at the business level was increased from 5.0 per cent to 7.5 per cent. This new rate was also applicable to supershops, according to a press release.

Following this, the Supermarket Owners Association and senior executives of various supermarkets held discussions with senior NBR officials, requesting a reduction in the VAT rate. The representatives of supershops proposed three specific customer-friendly suggestions. The higher officials of the NBR considered these proposals and advised following the standard VAT method.

They explained that, under the normal VAT system, businesses must pay a 15 per cent VAT but can claim input tax credit on their purchases. If supershops follow this principle and pay VAT at a 15 per cent rate, they will be eligible for tax credits under standard procedures. Consequently, customers will no longer have to bear the additional 5.0 per cent or the currently effective 7.5 per cent VAT separately. Instead, VAT will be included within the product price itself. Both parties agreed to resolve any obstacles in implementing this system through discussion.

Regarding this, Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director of Shwapno, stated, "Given the current state of the national economy, middle-class and lower-middle-class families are under significant financial pressure. I strongly believe that everyone has the right to purchase safe, nutritious food and other daily essentials at fair prices in a healthy shopping environment. Previously, the 5.0 per cent VAT on supershops was an extra financial burden for customers. Now, that additional expense will no longer exist. Hopefully, this will bring more balance to the market system."

He added, "I am extremely pleased that higher officials from the NBR and the government have recognised the VAT disparity. Customers at Shwapno will not have to pay that extra 5.0 per cent VAT from now onward. This success belongs to all of us—it is a victory for the entire country. The slogan ‘Koshter Takay Shreshtho Bazar’ is now becoming a reality."