According to the ministry of agriculture sources, the United Kingdom is considering easing the prohibition on betel leaf imports from Bangladesh. The European Union issued a ban on Bangladeshi betel leaf in February 2014.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh's annual betel leaf exports were worth USD 40 million before the prohibition but now have dropped to USD 2.0 to USD 5.0 million. After being satisfied with Bangladesh's efforts in delivering safe products, the EU lifted the ban in April of this year. The UK, meanwhile, which is a major market for Bangladeshi betel leaf, has yet to lift the restriction. Following improvements in Bangladesh's phytosanitary system and the availability of safe food, the UK is considering lifting the ban entirely.