KABUL: The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Finance has announced increases in customs tariffs on several imported goods, citing support for domestic production and the promotion of trade growth.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the customs tariff on bottles has been increased from 12 percent to 16 percent, while the tariff on building paint has risen from 16 percent to 30 percent.
The ministry also announced a significant increase in tariffs on leather footwear and gypsum. Customs duties on both products have been raised from 50 percent to 80 percent.
Meanwhile, the tariff on sanitary diapers has increased from 20 percent to 25 percent.
In a separate adjustment, the customs tariff on heart springs has been reduced from 8 percent to 3.5 percent.
The Ministry of Finance said the changes were introduced as part of measures aimed at supporting domestic production and encouraging growth in trade. The ministry did not provide further details on the expected impact of the revised tariffs on prices or import volumes.
The changes will affect importers and businesses dealing in the listed products, with the higher tariffs increasing the customs costs associated with several imported goods.
Customs duties are a major source of government revenue in Afghanistan, while tariff adjustments can also influence the competitiveness of imported products compared with locally produced goods.
The latest changes come as the Taliban authorities continue to adjust customs and trade policies as part of their broader economic measures.