Bangladesh: Import (product-based)


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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.

Animals and animal products (general)

Agricultural products are regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Building #4, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

A health certificate is required for certain animals, particularly livestock.

A sanitary certificate is required for fish and fish products.

A radiation certificate is required for food products.

Imports of prawns, live swine and products thereof are prohibited.

Certain animal products are subject to mandatory Bangladeshi standards and may require certification by the Bangladesh Standards and Technology Institute. These products include honey and milk, including pasteurized and powdered milk, milk-fat products, butter, yogurt, and infant formula. For additional information contact the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, 116/A Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka 1208; phone: +880 2 887 0275; fax: +880 2 913 1581; email: bsti@bangla.net.

(Last updated on 2023-02-22)

Animals: Live

Imports of fish and fish products require a sanitary inspection certificate.

A health certificate is required for livestock.

Imports of live swine are prohibited.

(Last updated on 2017-01-26)

Animal products: Dairy

Radioactivity tests (pre-shipment) are required for imports of milk, milk food, and milk products. A radiation certificate is required for many food products.

Specific packaging and labeling requirements apply to milk products, baby food products made from milk and milk products with cream. Milk and any products containing milk may be imported in cans and in bulk. The container must indicate the ingredients in Bangla and also must show the manufacturing and expiration dates in Bangla or English.

Certain dairy products are subject to mandatory Bangladeshi standards and may require certification by the Bangladesh Standards and Technology Institute.

(Last updated on 2023-02-22)

Animal products: Meat

Meat products may require special certification.

Bone and meat meal requires a certificate stating that the product is free from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

General requirements for shipping meat and meat products (applicable to most countries):

(Last updated on 2017-02-10)

Animal products: Poultry

Poultry products may require special certification.

(Last updated on 2017-02-10)

Animal products: Seafood

Imports of fish and fish products require a sanitary inspection certificate.

Fish must be free of formalin.

Imports of prawns are prohibited.

(Last updated on 2017-01-30)

Animal feed and nutrients

Fish feed, poultry feed and animal feed items (Per Bangladesh Import Policy Order 2009-2012):

(Last updated on 2017-01-16)

Endangered species

This country is a member of CITES (Convention on Int'l Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora), an international agreement between governments.

(Last updated on 2022-04-22)

Plants and plant products (general)

Agricultural products are regulated by the:

Imports of most plants and plant products require a phytosanitary certificate.

Genetically modified organisms are subject to special requirements.

(Last updated on 2022-07-11)

Plants and plant products, including seeds, for use as food

A radiation certificate is required for many food products.

Raw sugar, poppy seeds and dried posto dana, ghas, bhang, and opium are prohibited.

Specific requirements apply to coconut oil.

Genetically modified organisms are subject to special requirements.

Imports of certain foodstuffs must be covered by a certificate of analysis.

Radiation testing is required for vegetable seeds, edible oils, and cereal products:

(Last updated on 2018-11-08)

Tobacco products

An additional certificate is required for leaf tobacco.

Tendu leaves are prohibited.

Cigarettes: There are maximum tar and nicotine levels set by the government. Cigarettes must also contain a health warning label on the side of packages. Check with importer for correct wording.

(Last updated on 2019-01-17)

Food products (general)

Documentation:

Restrictions/prohibitions:

For more detailed information see Import Policy Order 2015-18, or contact the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Level 12, Probashi Kalyan Bhaban, 71-72 Eskaton Garden, Dhaka-1000. Also check with customer in Bangladesh for exact requirements.

Note: Additional documentation and labeling may be required for food products.

(Last updated on 2020-01-14)

Food products: Processed/prepared food

Documentation:

Labeling:

Packaging:

Artificial mustard oil is prohibited.

For more detailed information see Import Policy Order 2015-18 or contact the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Level 12, Probashi Kalyan Bhaban, 71-72. Eskaton Garden, Dhaka-1000.

Exporters should confirm product-specific requirements with their customers in Bangladesh.

(Last updated on 2019-01-17)

Beverages

Ethyl alcohol, 80% or higher and other denatured spirits of any strength and wine lees and argol are prohibited from being imported.

(Last updated on 2022-11-17)

Pharmaceuticals (general)

Imports of drugs and pharmaceuticals require special certification. A certificate of analysis may be required. Exporters should confirm product-specific requirements with their customers in Bangladesh.

A free sale certificate is required for drugs.

(Last updated on 2018-08-01)

Pharmaceuticals: Narcotics, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia

Refer to Int'l Drug Control Conventions.

Opiates (opium latex extractions), incl. heroin, morphine and codeine are prohibited for consumption and may not be imported.

(Last updated on 2023-01-20)

Cosmetics

Health and beauty products are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Building #3, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

Cosmetics are subject to standards.

Certificate of conformity is required. For additional information see: Conformity Certification for Exports to Bangladesh.

(Last updated on 2020-01-14)

Chemicals, toxic

Ethyl alcohol, 80% or higher and other denatured spirits of any strength are prohibited from being imported.

(Last updated on 2022-11-17)

Fertilizers (general)

Special restrictions/requirements apply to chemical fertilizers.

For information on special requirements and product restrictions see Bangladesh Import Policy Orders.

(Last updated on 2016-08-15)

Pesticides, insecticides, fungicides

Pesticides are regulated according to the Pesticides Ordinance, 1971.

Special restrictions/requirements apply to insecticides and pesticides. Pesticides must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Pesticide containers must be able to withstand "handling by sea," be labeled with chemical contents, and meet other specifications. For information on special requirements and product restrictions see Bangladesh Import Policy Orders.

Certain insecticides are prohibited.

(Last updated on 2022-07-11)

Explosives

Special restrictions apply to explosives. Information on special requirements and product restrictions can be found in the Bangladesh Import Policy Orders.

(Last updated on 2019-05-20)

Petroleum and petroleum products

Certain petroleum products are restricted.

(Last updated on 2023-01-06)

Textiles, apparel and other textile articles (general)

Labels may be in English or Bangla and must include fiber content and origin country.

Woven fabrics of silk or silk waste, certain types of cloth, and rags may be prohibited.

(Last updated on 2019-08-07)

Textiles and Apparel: Used wearing apparel and textile products

A "certificate of cleanliness," signed by a physician, is required for used clothing.

A certificate is required for used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables; and worn-out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials

(Last updated on 2019-12-13)

Stone, ceramic and glass, and products thereof

Certificate of conformity is required for ceramics. For additional information see: Conformity Certification for Exports to Bangladesh.

(Last updated on 2020-01-14)

Building materials and construction supplies, including cement

Certificate of conformity is required for construction materials. For additional information see: Conformity Certification for Exports to Bangladesh.

(Last updated on 2020-01-14)

Metals, and products thereof

Imports of iron and steel may require a producer's "certificate of conformity".

For information on import policies see:

(Last updated on 2023-08-01)

Precious metals, diamonds and gemstones

There are special requirements for precious metals and stones.

Rough diamonds may only be imported from countries participating in the Kimberley Process. This is a participating country. For more information see Kimberley Process.

(Last updated on 2022-08-31)

Machinery and appliances (general)

Regulated products and machinery are subject to mandatory pre-shipment inspection (PSI) and quality verification in the country of origin.

(Last updated on 2023-01-06)

Machinery and appliances: Electrical (line-powered)

Electrical items (switches and plugs) require a certificate of conformity.

(Last updated on 2022-01-24)

Machinery and appliances: Nuclear and radioactive equipment

Nuclear reactor and radioactive materials require an import license.

(Last updated on 2022-07-11)

Machinery and appliances: Telecommunications equipment, radios, TVs, and RF devices

Generally applicable import requirements for telecommunications equipment (applicable for most countries):

For these products it is very important for an exporter to check requirements with a prospective importer before concluding the product sale and certainly before shipping product.

(Last updated on 2021-06-15)

Machinery and appliances, aerosols and other products containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances, such as aerosol that are responsible for ozone depletion. Because CFCs contribute to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, and is being replaced with other products such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R-410A.

(Last updated on 2023-10-14)

Machinery and capital equipment, used

Second hand/reconditioned office equipment, typewriters, photocopiers, phones, fax, and telex machines may be prohibited, or may require Special Certifications.

(Last updated on 2023-01-06)

Batteries

Certificate of conformity is required.

(Last updated on 2022-01-24)

Vehicles (general)

Motor bikes at 500cc are allowed for importation.

General requirements (applies to most countries): There are a variety of requirements that typically or may apply to the import of automobiles and other highway vehicles and parts thereof, including:

For country-specific information see the International Trade Administration Office of Transportation and Machinery's publication: Compilation of Foreign Motor Vehicle Import Requirements.

(Last updated on 2023-10-28)

Boats

Vessels more than 15 years old may be prohibited from being imported.

According to Import Policy Order: 2015-18: ocean-going ships, oil tankers and fishing trawlers, cannot be imported if they are 25, or more years old.

For importing an abandoned ship (scrap vessels), exporter or owner must have a certification and importer must issue a declaration to the effect that toxic or hazardous waste are not being transported.

Check Ministry of Commerce Import Policy Orders.

(Last updated on 2023-08-01)

Medical devices and equipment

Registration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is required for medical devices. See Registration Guidelines for Medical Devices.

A free sale certificate is required for medical devices.

Note: Special information for COVID-19: HS classification reference for Covid-19 medical supplies

(Last updated on 2021-12-10)

Toys, sporting goods, and baby products

Fishing nets (gillnets) may be prohibited.

(Last updated on 2024-02-01)

Media containing data, including books

The following are prohibited:

For information on special requirements and product prohibitions and restrictions see Bangladesh Import Policy Orders.

(Last updated on 2017-01-16)

Media containing religious subject matter, including books

Media containing matters which conflict with the religious feelings and beliefs of Bangladeshi citizens is restricted.

(Last updated on 2023-01-10)

Advertising materials, product manuals

Printed advertising materials are typically duty-free.

(Last updated on 2014-03-10)

Other products with special requirements or restrictions

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 most recent information on and copies of Import Policy Orders see also the Ministry of Commerce website: Policies.

(Last updated on 2022-07-11)

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.