Commercial Import Process
INDEX
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements
If you are an importer wishing to import commercial goods into Bangladesh you should apply through OLM to get Import Registration Certificate
Prohibited Goods
Before importing goods into Bangladeshs you should ensure that they do not fall into the category of prohibited goods. Prohibited goods cannot be imported, exported, transited, sold or circulated in Bangladesh. Among prohibited goods are weapons, narcotics, psychotropic substances and hazardous chemical substances. You should refer to the specific laws and regulations that cover these prohibitions.
If in doubt you should seek advice from the CCIE.
Controlled Goods
Before importing goods into Bangladesh you should ensure that they do not fall into the category of prohibited goods.
Import License
For certain types of products it is necessary to obtain an import license from CCIE. Depending on the product, the license can be either automatic or non-automatic.
If a product is not subject to licensing or to specific sanitary/phytosanitary or technical measures, you can proceed with the importation of the product by submitting a declaration directly to Customs.
Click here to view the procedure for applying for an import license.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements
If the goods you intend to import are subject to sanitary and phytosanitary measures you will have to comply with the special regulations relating to those products. You can find out on this website which commodities are subject to these requirements by using the search facilities on the Commodity Search page.
Normally, you may need to get a permit from the Ministry specific department depending on what you are intending to import. A detailed description of the procedures and documentation required can be found on the Procedures page of this website.
Bangladesh Trade Portal has established an SPS Enquiry Point as required by the WTO SPS Agreement. You can contact the SPS Enquiry Point if you have any questions regarding sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
Technical Requirements
For certain types of products it may be necessary to obtain a permit that certifies that these products conform to certain technical standards. These technical regulations are administered by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
You can find out on this website which commodities are subject to these requirements by using the search facilities on the Commodity Search page. A detailed description of the procedures and documentation required can also be found on the Procedures page of this website.
Bangladesh Trade Portal has established a TBT Enquiry Point as required by the WTO TBT Agreement. You can contact the TBT Enquiry Point if you have any questions regarding technical standards. You can go to The Special Measures page for more information.
Import Declaration
All goods imported into Bangladesh must be declared and duty is payable on them unless they are covered by an exemption or a suspension.
A declaration is made by submitting a duly completed and signed form together with the following minimum supporting documents:
- A commercial invoice or contract of sale document from the supplier of the goods
- Transport documents such as Bill of Lading or Air Way Bill
- Packing List (if available)
- Certificate of Origin. This should have been supplied to you by the exporter.
- Any import licenses or permits obtained from other ministries depending on the type of goods you are importing
Declarations can be submitted at your regional Customs office. Click here to see the Customs office where you can submit a declaration and clear your goods.
A declaration must be submitted within 15 days from the date of lodgment with Customs of the transport documents (e.g. manifest) notifying Customs of the arrival of the cargo.
At present, Asycuda automated Customs management system is installed and currently operated at Chittagong Customs.
Advance Declaration
In order to facilitate the process of clearing imports you can submit a pre-arrival Customs declaration. This can be done within 7 working days prior to the date of arrival of the goods following the same procedures as a normal declaration. You can pay the duties at the time of arrival of the goods.
Customs Broker
You may engage a Customs Broker to carry out the import formalities on your behalf. For information pertaining to brokers
please click here
Classification and Value
Customs duty is payable on imported goods as a percentage of their declared value. The rate of duty payable on goods imported into Bangladesh varies according to the commodity and the country of origin.
Commodities are classified using the 8-digit Harmonized System (HS) Code which is maintained and, from time to time, amended by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
You can view the full Bangladesh Tariff Classification and Tariff rates on this website with the Commodity Search facility.
It is your responsibility to declare the correct classification, origin, value and quantity of the goods you are importing. If in doubt please seek advice from the Department of Customs.
The basis for the calculation of duties is the actual transaction value of the goods (as evidenced by the commercial invoice or other contract of sale document). If the value of the goods cannot established by this method Customs will attempt to establish the value of the goods using 5 more methods in line with Article 7 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1947).
Payment of Duties
Once a declaration has been submitted and accepted by Customs, Customs will be required to pay the duties. At the major border posts you will be able to pay for duties at a bank nearby. Present the receipt to Customs in order to receive your clearance. At other border posts only cash is accepted and you can pay for duties at the Customs cashier.
Goods Imported under Warehouse Regime
Goods can be imported into Bangladesh under the Warehouse Regime if you are not intending to release them for circulation into Bangladesh immediately. Duty will be suspended for the period the goods are in the warehouse and will be payable when the goods are finally released into circulation.
You must submit an import declaration under the Warehouse Regime when you bring the goods into the warehouse and a normal Import declaration when you want to bring them into circulation.
There are different types of warehouse. Please refer to the relevant article of the Customs Law.
Warehouses have to be approved by the Ministry of Finance.
Temporary Imports
Goods can be imported under the Temporary Imports regime under the following circumstances:
- Goods necessary for the manufacture, processing, assembly, transformation or repair of items which will subsequently be re-exported (“inward processing”)
- Vehicles imported for the purpose of project supervision or for tourism or business visits as long as they are re-exported by the allotted time
- Materials required for project supervision purposes
- Exhibition, educational or scientific materials
For these types of import you must submit a declaration under Temporary Imports regime. No duties are payable on these imports.
In all the above cases certain documents or permits must be obtained from the relevant authority and presented to Customs. Before importing goods under this regime please contact Customs to obtain advice as to what documentation will be required for your specific circumstances.
To import a vehicle into the country for the purpose of a temporary visit you need to make a declaration under the Temporary Imports regime to Customs at the border crossing. You must present a valid registration certificate for that vehicle. Vehicles imported under this regime must be re-exported within the allotted timeframe or a penalty will be liable.
For goods imported for exhbition purposes a bond is payable to Customs which is refunded when the goods are re-exported.
Click here for the reference document of Temporary Export Permit by CCIE.
Exemptions
Exemption from Customs duties and other obligations are available for diplomatic missions, for goods imported under a government investment promotion scheme or for certain economic zone and for other goods to be imported under certain circumstance. Click here to see a list of goods eligible for these exemptions.
Please contact Customs to find out what is required to take advantage of these exemptions.
Personal belongings of passengers arriving in Bangladesh are also exempt from Customs duties. For specific limits concerning these goods please refer to section on Passengers on this website.
National Enquiry Point for Trade
Click here to submit queryDownload Trade Portal Apps
Search Trade Information
Import Resources
Feature Information for Entrepreneur
