FROM PAGE B1

The organisation recorded 3,029 motorcycle-related accidents that year, killing 2,671 riders and passengers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says quality helmets can reduce the risk of death in a road crash by more than six times and lower the risk of brain injury by up to 74 percent.

While most Vega, Steelbird and Gliders helmets were declared at around $3 per unit, premium brands such as Studds, SMK and Graphic were declared at values ranging from $8.50 to $30.80. These products usually retail for between Tk 2,200 and Tk 6,000 in Bangladesh.

An NBR official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said under-invoicing in helmet import remains a major problem.

According to an analysis by the NBR’s valuation committee, around 95 percent of helmets imported in 2025 were declared at $3 or less per unit. Another 4 percent were declared at values between $3.50 and $15, while only about 1 percent were declared within the $15-$31 range.

“Whenever importers declare values of $3 or less, we usually apply a loading of $0.20 to $0.50 cents during assessment. This helps recover part of the revenue loss, although we know the actual value is often much higher,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Industry representatives argue that the consequences extend beyond lost revenue and are also affecting road safety and domestic manufacturing.

RN Paul, managing director of RFL, which manufactures Safemet helmets, said local manufacturers could expand production if imported helmets were assessed at their proper value during customs clearance.

“Increasing capacity is not difficult for us,” he said. “But if the existing duty structure continues, there is little point in expanding because consumers will not buy our products.”

Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman, chief marketing officer of Bangladesh Honda Private Limited, which imports Honda helmets, said quality-certified helmets are becoming less competitive because of lower import value declarations by non-compliant traders.

He said the practice allows cheaper and lower-quality helmets to dominate the market, discouraging imports of internationally certified products.

Rahman also said the BSTI approval process requires multiple sample units for each size and model, along with testing and certification fees, increasing costs for compliant importers.

“If regulatory costs, approval time and import duties are reduced while maintaining proper quality standards, internationally certified helmets will become more accessible and affordable,” Rahman said.