ID and Cash Limits for Buying Gold in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has no published amount above which a jeweller must see your ID when you buy gold, and no legal cap on paying cash was found. When you sell old jewellery, jewellers' association rules require the shop to keep a copy of your NID and give you a receipt. Jewellers are covered by the money-laundering law and report suspicious transactions to the BFIU.
Facts checked 31 October 2026 · Not financial, legal or tax advice
At a glance
| Situation | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buying jewellery or bars | No fixed ID threshold found. | Jewellers are reporting organisations under the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012 and must know their customers. |
| Paying cash | No legal cap found. | Since the 2026-27 budget, VAT on gold is a flat Tk 2,500 per bhori instead of 5%. |
| Selling old jewellery | Shop keeps a photocopy of your NID and gives a receipt with your name, address, mobile and NID. | BAJUS 2023 guidelines: buys only from the original owner, deducts 20% of the weight for gold (10% if exchanged for new). |
| Reported | Suspicious transactions to the BFIU. | No cash-reporting threshold for jewellers was confirmed. |
The rules in detail
- Under the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012, dealers in precious metals or stones are "reporting organisations". They must identify customers, keep records and report suspicious transactions to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). BFIU Circular No. 13 (9 July 2015) sets out their instructions, and is published in Bangla only.
- The jewellers' association BAJUS issued its Jewellery Buying, Selling and Marketing Guidelines in 2023. When a shop buys old ornaments it must photocopy the seller's NID and issue a receipt. It may buy only from the original owner, not a representative. For gold brought in under the Baggage Rules, the shop also keeps a copy of the NID.
- Diamond cash memos must show colour and carat, and diamond pieces over 50 cents need a certificate.
- Since the FY2026-27 Finance Act (passed 29 June 2026), VAT on sales is a flat Tk 2,500 per bhori for gold and platinum, Tk 100 per bhori for silver and Tk 2,500 per gram for diamonds. It replaced the 5% rate.
When you sell
- Bring your NID: the shop must copy it and give you a receipt.
- BAJUS deductions from weight when a shop buys old pieces: 20% for gold, 40% for silver, 25% for diamonds. Exchanging for new costs less: 10%, 30% and 15%.
- No rule found on how the shop must pay you.
Silver and travel
- The same rules cover silver. VAT on silver is a flat Tk 100 per bhori.
- Gold brought in under the Baggage Rules needs its customs papers when sold. See the travel-allowance page.
Gold ID and Cash Limits in Bangladesh: FAQ
Do I need my NID to buy gold in Bangladesh?
No published rule sets an amount above which a jeweller must see your ID when you buy. Jewellers must know their customers under the money-laundering law, so they may ask for it on large purchases.
What do I need to sell old gold to a jeweller in Bangladesh?
Your NID. Under BAJUS guidelines the shop keeps a photocopy, gives you a receipt with your details and buys only from the original owner. It deducts 20% of the weight for gold before paying at the market price.
What is the VAT on gold in Bangladesh now?
Since the 2026-27 budget, a flat Tk 2,500 per bhori for gold, replacing the 5% VAT.
Sources (4)
General information for individuals buying or selling gold, checked October 2026. Rules change and dealers may ask for more than the legal minimum; check with the dealer or the regulator. Not legal advice.