Dhaka, June 2 -- In the proposed national budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the government has raised the minimum customs value on a wide range of beauty products, including lipstick, foundation, makeup kits, and compressed powders. That means shoppers may soon have to pay more for their favourite cosmetics.

According to sellers, most beauty products available in Bangladesh are imported. Even for local brands, the raw materials are largely sourced from abroad. There are also concerns about some local traders producing knockoff products and selling them under fake brand names.

WHAT'S CHANGING?

This year's budget proposal increases the baseline customs values for makeup, chocolates and various grooming products. Customs duties are cal...