Bangladesh - Import & Export Regulatory Guide
Bangladesh's customs administration is under the National Board of Revenue (NBR) using ASYCUDA World for electronic clearance. Every commercial importer/exporter needs an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) or Export Registration Certificate (ERC) from the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E). Bangladesh graduates from LDC status in Nov 2026.
Regulatory authorities
- Customs entry, ASYCUDA filings, valuation, AEO.
- IRC/ERC registration, Import Policy Order administration.
- Mandatory product certification, standards.
- DGDAPharma import registration.
Licensing regimes
| Licence | Scope | Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| IRC (Import Registration Certificate) | Mandatory for commercial imports; annual renewal. | CCI&E |
| ERC (Export Registration Certificate) | Mandatory for commercial exports; annual renewal. | CCI&E |
| BSTI licence | 155+ mandatory items - electrical, food, packaging. | BSTI |
| LCA Form + LC | Letter of Credit Authorisation - Bangladesh Bank policy. | Authorised Dealer bank |
- · Publications and content contravening state policy.
- · Certain agricultural products (specific timings) to protect local growers.
- · Second-hand certain machinery and appliances.
- · CITES-listed species and derivatives.
- · Vehicles - age limits, high supplementary duty.
- · Yarn/fabric - protective duties for RMG value chain.
- · Rice, wheat - state-trading agency imports.
- · Precursor chemicals - Department of Narcotics Control.
- · Bangla/English labelling on prepackaged consumer goods.
- · BSTI mark on regulated products.
- · DGDA registration number on pharma labels.
- · Import supply/manufacturing/expiry dates on food.
- · UNSC measures implemented via Anti-Terrorism Act & UN Convention Act.
- · No autonomous sanctions regime.
- · Bank screening of OFAC/EU/UN for USD trade.
Dispute resolution
Customs objection to Commissioner within 90 days; Customs Appellate Tribunal; High Court on questions of law. BIAC (Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre) is the domestic institutional forum. NY Convention party since 1992.
Key official sources
Frequently asked questions (2)
Bangladesh graduates from LDC to Developing status in Nov 2026, losing DFQF market access to EU (EBA), UK, Canada, Japan and most GSP schemes progressively. Standard MFN duties (or GSP+ if secured) will apply on RMG exports. Bangladesh is negotiating FTAs with Japan, EU-plus preferences, and CEPA with India to mitigate.
The Letter of Credit Authorisation Form is Bangladesh Bank's authorisation to open an LC for import. The AD bank issues it against a valid IRC and Pro Forma Invoice. It is a prerequisite for any LC-backed import; sight vs usance and margin requirements are set per Bangladesh Bank FE circulars.
Compliance-ready templates for cross-border trade
Sanctions screening, KYC and end-use documentation are the first thing customs and correspondent banks check. Start with these free templates.