Previously, computers were classified under the category of electronics, whose taxes were 5 percent (prior to 2004, the tariff on electronics was 10 percent). ’’GIPI Afghanistan’’ believes lowering taxes on computing and networking increases their affordability and encourages people to buy them. Computer and Internet usage remains extremely low in the country.

“The MoF recognizes that ICTs, especially computers and its relevant accessories, have a huge potential impact in the development of people’s live and the general economy of the country and that is why we have considered these items for the lowest tariff in the customs which is 2.5%,” said MoF General Director of Customs Ahmad Jalil.

GIPI AF has advocated for tax breaks since May 2006 through a series of meetings with Ministry of Finance officials and survey collection on computer hardware taxation. One of GIPI AF’s project goals is to ensure the least taxation and levies on the still undeveloped ICT industry in the country.

“We are thankful to GIPI-AF for bringing our attention to this area and sharing with us their experience in this regard,” Jalil added.

While the news comes as positive, GIPI AF hopes that imports of computers will be tax-free in the future.
The Global Internet Policy Initiative Afghanistan (GIPI-AF) has worked since December 2003 to promote the adoption of legal and regulatory frameworks that will support the growth of an open, affordable and user-controlled Internet.

GIPI Afghanistan is a project of Internews Europe and the Afghan Computer Science Association and is financed by the Asia IT&C program of the European Commission. Find us at www.gipi.net.af

For information, GIPI-AF team