Afghan traders exempted from octroi

The Council of Ministers has decided to not charge local taxes on goods, a decision that was hailed by the traders on Tuesday.

Instead the traders would have to deposit 0.25% of the value of their goods with the customs department.

The decision comes amid high essential commodities’ prices.

Under a 2010 decision of the Council of Ministers, businessmen had to pay the municipality 12,000-18,000 afs in tax on each container.

With the implementation and enforcement of the new decision, that amount would fall to 7,000 afs.

“The taxes levied on local goods had previously results in soaring prices, corruption and problems in collection of revenues from government department,” said Haji Rahimuddin Haji Agha, a leader of the Afghan entrepreneurs’ body.

“With the month of Ramadan approaching, I am hopeful that the new decision is good news for the people of Afghanistan for being able to purchase commodities at reasonable prices,” Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industries Muzamil Shinwari told reporters.