Important: Be sure to check both general and product-based categories for relevant information. Product-based categories include parts and accessories unless otherwise specified. See disclaimer below and use independent care before relying on this information.
For information on importing to Bangladesh see Bangladesh Trade Portal.
Importer's Business Identification Number (BIN) is required on all import documents (since: May 2013).
Import Policy Order: 2015-18 was issued in February 2016. It applies to imports of all kinds of goods into Bangladesh.
To ensure that products entering the Bangladesh market, meet Bangladesh Standards (BDS), Import Policy Order 2021-2024, governing the import of regulated products, has been issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Secretariat, Bldg. 3, 1st Floor, Abdul Gani Rd., BD-1000 Dhaka; phone: +88 02 5510 1006; fax: +88 02 954 0213; email: secy@mincom.gov.bd
Note: Bangladesh observes the boycott of Israel.
(Last updated on 2023-03-06)
The Chittagong Port Authority issued new regulations for containers. Effective December 2021, all imported containers to Chittagong Port require high security bolt seals.
For additional information see: Mandatory Usage Bullet Seals for All Import Laden Containers to Bangladesh
We recommend contacting the ocean carrier for exact requirements prior to booking.
(Last updated on 2023-10-17)
For customs information contact: Bangladesh Customs
(Last updated on 2024-03-28)
De Minimis Threshold:
Note on De minimis value: If the value is below the de minimis threshold, imports may be exempted from customs duties and/or taxes and VAT. De minimis values and rules differ by country. For de minimis information by country, please see:
(Last updated on 2023-12-12)
Bangladesh uses the Harmonized Tariff System for tariff classification.
For worldwide tariff information please see:
(Last updated on 2022-08-11)
Specific duty rates are based on net weight.
Ad valorem duties are based on value assessed as follows: CFR value, plus insurance fee (1%) and landing charge (1%).
The dutiable value will be determined by Customs based on the importer's declaration.
According to the WTO Valuation Agreement there are six acceptable methods of determining Customs value. Typically the first method is used (unless the buyer and seller are related parties). When the value cannot be obtained this way, or is rejected by Customs, one of the other methods is to be used, in descending order:
See additional information on the WTO website under WTO Customs Valuation.
(Last updated on 2017-06-23)
Most goods do not require an import license. The Ministry of Commerce requires registration of each importer. Prior approval is required to import restricted goods. Certain restricted goods may be imported only by authorized users. There are no tariff quotas on imports.
(Last updated on 2014-02-20)
Prohibited items include: swine and swine products; waste products; reconditioned office equipment, photocopier, typewriters, telex, phone, and fax machines; substandard reconditioned goods.
Controlled items: Banned items may not be imported; restricted items may be imported under certain conditions. See the Bangladesh Import Export Policy for details.
Counterfeit products: products with counterfeit trademarks, obscene and offensive materials, horror comics, and products falsely represented as originating in Bangladesh are prohibited.
This country prohibits imports of hazardous waste as per the Basel Convention. For additional information see: Basel Convention (select country for details).
(Last updated on 2023-07-06)
Unless otherwise specified, all import transactions, as a rule, are made by opening an Irrevocable Letter of Credit. Exceptions are specified in the Bangladesh Import Policy Orders.
As importer submits Letter of Credit Authorization Form (LCAF), together with required documents to open L/C, Bank will authenticate the LCAF, confirming:
The Bank will endorse value with particulars and Bangladesh Taka [৳] equivalent on back of exchange control copy of LCAF. Importer is required to have Letter of Credit Authorization (LCA) forms.
Foreign exchange is controlled by the government through the central bank, which administers foreign exchange control through authorized commercial banks and financial institutions.
(Last updated on 2021-01-16)
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), previously required, became voluntary for all products in June 2014. PSI may be requested by the importer or required as per letter of credit.
Conformity assessment: Certain regulated products require a certificate of conformity. These include: food products; health and beauty products; ceramics; sanitary ware; switches and plugs; construction materials; batteries; and paper. For additional information see: Conformity Certification for Exports to Bangladesh.
For more information on Product Conformity / Verification and Advisory Services contact:
(Last updated on 2024-04-13)
A commercial invoice is required for every commercial shipment and should conform to the information requirements described in our definition.
At least three (3) original, signed copies should be sent to the consignee or the agent thereof with the other shipping documents. The importer may require additional copies. The shipper should confirm the exact number of copies required with the consignee.
The invoice should include the following information: shipper and consignee name and address; port of origin and destination; shipment date; bill of lading or air waybill number and date; vessel name; marks and numbers; package type; HS code; value; letter of credit number and date; letter of credit authorization number; and importer registration certificate number.
A statement, signed by the shipper, should be included certifying the country of origin of the goods and that the goods are in accordance with the applicable pro-forma invoice or indent number. A separate certificate of origin may be requested. The shipper should confirm the exact requirements with the consignee.
A pro-forma invoice is needed in advance for the required letter of credit (L/C).
Each non-commercial shipment will also require a pro-forma invoice.
For airfreight shipments, in most cases, the shipping documents should accompany the cargo and/or the air waybill (AWB).
For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see GISTnet headings: Commercial Invoice and Shipping Document Distribution Based on Specific Functional Needs.
(Last updated on 2017-01-30)
A packing list is recommended to facilitate customs clearance.
In general, even when it is not required by regulation, it is recommended that a packing list be used with all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo. Most countries require a packing list be provided together with the commercial invoice. The required information must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice.
At least three (3) copies of the packing list should be included as part of the shipping documents sent to the consignee or the agent thereof. The exact contents of each package should be clearly identified. This should include each item's gross weight and net weight and each package's marks and numbers.
(Last updated on 2020-04-13)
A properly prepared transport document is required for transportation purposes and as a source document for customs clearance purposes.
Note: An original bill of lading may be required for release of cargo in certain situations. Please check with carrier and/or importer for exact requirements.
For detailed information on completing a bill of lading see interactive bill of lading exhibit. (Scroll down to see the form, and click on any field for details on the information that goes in that box.)
For air cargo, an air waybill (AWB) replaces the bill of lading used for ocean freight. Nine (9) copies on a standard IATA AWB form are required.
(Last updated on 2023-03-28)
Certificate of origin is required, except in certain cases (products for the garment export industry and coal). For additional information see Import Policy Order 2015-18.
(Last updated on 2016-08-16)
Every import shipment to Bangladesh is required to be covered by shipping insurance by a Bangladesh insurance company, unless an exception is authorized by the:
(Last updated on 2021-04-09)
ISPM-15 requirements apply.
See information issued by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Plant Protection Service, U.N. Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, I-00100 Rome, Italy; fax: +39 6 570 56347; email: ippc@fao.org
General Information regarding WPM:
For a listing of countries that have adopted ISPM-15 requirements see: ISPM15.com.
For IPPC contact information by country see: International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and select "Countries".
(Last updated on 2021-04-09)
Country of origin must be clearly mentioned on all packages and containers.
Name, address and TIN number of the importer must be inscribed or printed in indelible ink on at least two percent of the largest packet/cover/tinned package/sack pack/wooden box/other packets containing the imported goods. See Import Policy Order for additional information and exceptions.
In general, follow standard shipping practices.
(Last updated on 2016-08-15)
Generally, labeling must show country of origin and complete name and address of manufacturer. Country of origin must appear on all products, packaging, and containers. See Import Policy Order: 2015-18.
Imported goods (incl. their containers) may not bear any words or inscriptions of a religious connotation, which may offend the religious beliefs of any citizens of Bangladesh. In addition, imported goods should not bear any obscene pictures, writing, inscription, or visible representation.
Specific packaging and labeling requirements apply to food, agricultural and chemical products and to other products and commodities.
Labels for food and beverage products may be in Bangla or English and must show manufacture and expiry dates (with the exception of alcoholic beverages). Specific packaging and labeling requirements apply to milk and any products, incl. nonfat dry milk. Specific requirements also apply to baby food.
Additional product packaging and/or labeling requirements may apply to particular types of products. Refer to the product-based information for the product you are considering to import or export. An exporter should also verify with its prospective importer in the destination country as to requirements for a specific product to be shipped.
(Last updated on 2023-03-06)
Product standards are regulated by the:
(Last updated on 2020-01-14)
For information on temporary imports consult:
(Last updated on 2018-11-08)
Important: Exercise independent care before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure all information is correct and current, GISTnet assumes no liability for detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. We ask your help with feedback (cidb@gistnet.com) concerning information which may be outdated or incomplete.
