ID and Cash Limits for Buying Silver in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has no published amount above which a jeweller must see your ID when you buy silver, and no legal cap on paying cash was found. When you sell old silver ornaments, jewellers' association rules require the shop to keep a copy of your NID and give you a receipt. Dealers in precious metals 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. | Dealers in precious metals 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 silver is a flat Tk 100 per bhori. |
| Selling old silver | 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 40% of the weight for silver (30% 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. The guidelines set separate weight deductions for silver.
- Since the FY2026-27 Finance Act (passed 29 June 2026), VAT on sales is a flat Tk 100 per bhori for silver, replacing the 5% rate.
When you sell
- Bring your NID: the shop must copy it and give you a receipt.
- BAJUS deduction from weight when a shop buys old silver: 40%, or 30% if you exchange it for new.
- No rule found on how the shop must pay you.
Gold and travel
- The same rules apply to gold, with a 20% deduction (10% on exchange) and VAT of Tk 2,500 per bhori.
- Gold brought in under the Baggage Rules needs its customs papers when sold. See the travel-allowance page.
Silver ID and Cash Limits in Bangladesh: FAQ
Do I need my NID to buy silver in Bangladesh?
No published rule sets an amount above which a jeweller must see your ID when you buy. Dealers 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 silver 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 40% of the weight for silver (30% if you exchange it) before paying.
What is the VAT on silver in Bangladesh now?
Since the 2026-27 budget, a flat Tk 100 per bhori, replacing the 5% VAT.
Sources (4)
General information for individuals buying or selling silver, 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.