Bangladesh: Import (product-based)

Animals and animal products (general)

Agricultural products are regulated by the:

• Ministry of Agriculture, Bldg. #4, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka
  • (there are no phone numbers available).

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

• Alert: Imports of prawns, live swine and products thereof are strictly prohibited.

Certain animal products are subject to mandatory Bangladesh standards and may require certification by the:

• Bangladesh Standards & Technology Institute (BSTI), 116/A, Tejgaon Industrial Area, BD-1208 Dhaka; phone: +880 2 887 0275; fax: +880 2 913 1581; email: bsti@bangla.net
  • Products subject to such inspections include:
    • Honey and milk, incl. pasteurized and powdered milk, milk-fat products, butter, yogurt, and infant formula.
    • For additional information contact the:
      • Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution, 116/A Tejgaon Industrial Area, BD-1208 Dhaka; phone: +880 2 887 0275; fax: +880 2 913 1581; email: bsti@bangla.net.

(Last updated on 2025-08-09)

Animals: Live

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

• A health certificate is required for livestock.

• Alert: Imports of live swine are strictly prohibited!

(Last updated on 2025-06-05)

Animal products: Dairy

Radioactivity tests at origin point (pre-shipment) are required for imports of milk, milk food, and milk products. Such a radiation certificate is also required for many food products.

Specific packaging and labeling requirements apply to milk products, baby food products indicating the ingredients in the Bangla language. It also must show the manufacturing and expiration dates in Bangla or English.

• Note: For more detailed information see Import Policy Order 2015-18.

Certain dairy products are subject to mandatory Bangladeshi standards and may require certification by the:

• Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution, 116/A, Tejgaon Industrial Area, BD-1208 Dhaka; phone: +880 2 887 0275; fax: +880 2 913 1581; email: bsti@bangla.net

(Last updated on 2025-06-06)

Animal products: Meat

Meat products may require special certification.

• Bone and meat meal require a certificate stating that the product is free of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

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

• For importation, meat shipped fresh or frozen requires specified inspection and health certification (e.g., a meat inspection certificate) issued by the government of the country of export. Meat must be free of filth, and must be deemed fit for consumption by health officials in the destination country before release for distribution. Meat that has been processed and packaged in such a way as to prevent spoilage during distribution, is subject to generally applicable requirements for importation of processed foods.
• Endangered species: Meat from animals protected under CITES may not be shipped for commercial purposes. In addition, particular countries may prohibit importation of particular species of meat and/or importation of meat from particular countries due to concerns over disease. Such prohibitions vary and are subject to change on very short notice. Some countries have additional protected species that are not listed.
• Transportation: Meat that is temperature controlled cargo (either chill or freeze) must arrive in the destination country with its specified temperature range maintained throughout its transportation. Meat that arrives outside of that temperature range, or that has not been maintained continuously at the specified temperature, or that has spoiled, as determined by health officials in country of import, will be condemned. It must then be destroyed, or else downgraded (e.g., limited to animal consumption, or requiring treatment to kill bacteria before distribution).
• Terrorist threat to food supply: Many nations have implemented measures to protect their human and animal food supply from terrorist sabotage. These measures may require pre-importation registration of the exporter, packer and/or supplier, additional supplier documentation and notice of each shipment within a specified time period prior to shipment and/or importation.

(Last updated on 2025-05-31)

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.

• Alert: Imports of prawns are strictly prohibited.

(Last updated on 2025-06-09)

Animal feed and nutrients

Fish feed, poultry feed and animal feed items (per Bangladesh Import Policy Order [latest edition], Chapter 3; Fees Regarding Imports) are subject to the following directives:

For imports of fish feed, poultry feed and animal feed items, shipping documents must be accompanied by the radioactivity-test reports, issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.

• The radioactivity-test report must clearly indicate the level of CS-137 (Cesium-137, or Radiocaesium) found in each kilogram of the tested products. Such products will be released by Bangladesh Customs only, if their radioactivity levels are within acceptable limits, published in the Bangladesh Regulations.
  • Alert: Should these limitations be exceeded, supplier must take shipment back to origin at his own expense.

For imports of poultry and birds, a certificate must confirm that these animals are free of avian influenza. The related certficate issued by the appropriate authority of the exporting countries must be submitted to Bangladesh Customs.

The conditions of the Bangladesh Import Policy Order must be referred to in the L/C for import of fish feed, poultry feed and animal feed items.

For canned fish, date of manufacture and of expiry of sale date, and net weight must be clearly embossed, or computer printed in permanent ink in line with Bangladesh Import Policy Order (latest edition in Bangla or in English) on its packaging.

Further testing of radioactivity levels of fish, animal and poultry feed items after arrival at the Bangladesh port of entry is not required.

• Alert: Separately printed label may not be pasted on package.

(Last updated on 2025-06-07)

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.

• Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of such species.
  • All member countries of the United Nations are party to the CITES treaty, with the exception of:
    • Dem. People's Rep. of Korea (North Korea), Micronesia, Haiti, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, South Sudan, East Timor, Turkmenistan, and Tuvalu.
    • UN observer Holy See (Vatican State) is also not a member of CITES.

• For more detailed information check with:
  • Convention on Int'l Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES), Int'l Environment House, 11 Chemin des Anémones, CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland; phone: +41 22 917 8139 and +41 22 917 8140; fax: +41 22 797 3417; email: info@cites.org

(Last updated on 2026-09-07)

Plants and plant products (general)

Agricultural products are regulated by the:

• Ministry of Agriculture, Bldg. #4, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

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

• Note: Fruits and vegetables, except potatoes, are exempt from this requirement.

Genetically modified organisms are subject to special requirements.

• An additional certificate is required for leaf tobacco.
• Tallow for soap and detergent products requires a certificate stating that tallow in fact is free from radiation, D.D.B. and/or L.A.B.". This certificate must receive certification and legalization.

• Alert: Raw sugar, semi-solid sugar, poppy seeds, grass seeds, and dried posto dana, ghas, bhang, and opium are prohibited.

(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:

• For information on special requirements and product restrictions see:
  • Bangladesh Government Trade Portal, Bangladesh Secretariat, Abdul Gani Rd., BD-1205 Dhaka; phone: +880 954 5002; email: mincom.gov.bd

(Last updated on 2018-11-08)

Tobacco products

An additional health certificate is required for leaf tobacco.

• For 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.

• Alert: Tendu leaves require a health warning label on the side of packages.
• Also, check with importer for correct wording of health warning requirements on packages.

(Last updated on 2026-03-02)

Food products (general)

Documentation:

• A "radiation certificate," certifying the foods have not been exposed to radioactivity, is required for most food products. Certain products will require testing. For more detailed information see Import Policy Orders.
• Food products require a certification "from the government of the exporting country or from appropriate approved agency to the effect that the item is 'fit for human consumption', 'that it does not contain harmful ingredients', or that 'it is free from all kinds of harmful germs'. Such a certificate shall mention the age group for which the item is eligible for consumption".
• Certain food products are subject to standards and may require a certificate of conformity. For additional information see: Conformity Certification for Exports to Bangladesh.
• Food products may be subject to testing by the Bangladesh Standard & Testing Institution (BSTI) and/or the Bangladesh Centre for Science and Industrial Research.

Restrictions/prohibitions:

• Palm oil (solid or semisolid) and raw sugar are prohibited.
• "According to the Import Policy Order 2015 to 2018, imports of prawns, poppy seeds, grass seeds, semi-solid sugar, artificial mustard oil, live swine, and any products derived from swine are not allowed market entry."

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 2024-04-22)

Food products: Processed/prepared food

Required import documentation:

• Processed food products require certification that they are meeting the Bangladesh Standard (BDS) of the Agricultural & Food Products Div., Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI), Maan Bhaban, 116/A, Tejgaon Industrial Area, BN-1208 Dhaka; phone: +88 2 5503 0054, +88 2 5503 0063, +88 2 5503 0069, +88 2 5503 0080, +88 2 5503 0076, +88 2 5503 0083, +88 2 5503 0113: fax: +88 2 5503 0092; email: dg@bsti.gov.bd, bsti@bangla.net

Labeling:

• Labels must include country of origin, quantity/weight, and list of ingredients.
• Date of manufacture and expiry of sale's date must be shown.
• Special labeling requirements apply to certain milk and baby food products.
• Labels may be shown in English or Bangla.

Packaging:

• A measuring spoon must be supplied in all containers of dehydrated baby food.
• Nonfat dried milk may be imported in airtight containers, bags or tins only.

• Alert: 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, BD-1000 Dhaka.

• Note: shipper should confirm product-specific requirements with their customers in Bangladesh.

(Last updated on 2026-05-14)

Beverages

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

• Denatured alcohol (ethanol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol) has additives to make it poisonous, bad-tasting, foul-smelling, or nauseating to discourage its recreational consumption.
• Sometimes such alcohol is dyed in order to be identified visually. Pyridine and methanol, each and together, make denatured alcohol poisonous; and denatonium makes it bitter.

• Alert: In the United States the alcohol proof number is twice the percentage of the alcohol content measured by volume at a temperature of 15.5°C (60°F). Therefore, "80 proof" is 40% alcohol by volume (most of the other 60% is water). If a 150 proof beverage is mixed half-and-half with water, the drink is 75 proof.
  • In Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom; wood spirit; and denatured rectified spirit is called methylated spirits.

(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 2025-08-01)

Chemicals, toxic

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

• Denatured alcohol (ethanol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol) has additives to make it poisonous, bad-tasting, foul-smelling, or nauseating to discourage its recreational consumption.
• Sometimes such alcohol is dyed in order to be identified visually. Pyridine and methanol, each and together, make denatured alcohol poisonous; and denatonium makes it bitter.

• Alert: In the United States the alcohol proof number is twice the percentage of the alcohol content measured by volume at a temperature of 15.5°C (60°F).
  • In Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom; wood spirit; and denatured rectified spirit is called methylated spirits.

(Last updated on 2022-11-17)

Fertilizers (general)

Faced with a persistent gas crisis Bangladesh is actively increasing its fertilizer imports to safeguard its food security.

• A Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP), has approved the import of 60,000 metric tons of urea from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to manage the critical Boro planting season.
  • Note: Special restrictions/requirements apply to chemical fertilizers.

(Last updated on 2026-02-24)

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

According to Sec. 2 of the Dangerous Cargoes Act, 1953, classified as dangerous goods are:

• (a) Explosives listed in the Comprehensive Classified List of the Banglades Government Explosives Authority.
• (b) Petroleum, with a flash point below 65.6° Celsius (150° Fahrenheit).
• (c) Goods classified as dangerous in the Government Stowage Instructions.
• (d) Any cargo liable to fire, or explosion and declared to be dangerous cargo.

• Alert: Refer to Bangladesh list of explosives importers.

(Last updated on 2025-06-04)

Petroleum and petroleum products

Certain petroleum products are restricted in availability.

• Bangladesh is to cut gasoil imports to avoid fallout of dwindling forex reserves.

• Refer to: Petroleum Act, 1974

(Last updated on 2026-02-24)

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 qualified physician, is required for importion of 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 2025-06-02)

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 2024-07-25)

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 2024-07-25)

Metals, and products thereof

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

• Special requirements apply to iron, steel and aluminum waste & scrap products.
• For information on special requirements and product restrictions see:
  • Bangladesh Import Policy Order

For information on import policies see:

• Ministry of Commerce, Bldg. 3, 1st Floor, Abdul Gani Rd., BD-1000 Dhaka; phone: +88 02 55101006; fax: +88 02 954 0213; email: secy@mincom.gov.bd

(Last updated on 2026-03-02)

Precious metals, diamonds and gemstones

Mexican Official Standards (NOMs): Products subject to Mexican Official Standards (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, or NOMs) require compliance with standards and may require a certificate of conformity. Certain products in this category are subject to NOMs. The Secretaria de Economia provides a search feature where information on the relevant NOMS relating to a specific product can be found.

Precious metals must comply with technical regulations.

• Precious metals include: gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium.
  • Alert: Rough diamonds may only be imported from countries participating in the Kimberley Process.

(Last updated on 2026-10-27)

Machinery and appliances (general)

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

• Economic Life certificate and any other required certificates must be issued by a qualified inspection company.

• Note: Reconditioned office equipment may be restricted for importation.

(Last updated on 2024-09-19)

Machinery and appliances: Electrical (line-powered)

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

• For additional information see:
  • Conformity Certification for Exports to Bangladesh

(Last updated on 2024-07-25)

Machinery and appliances: Nuclear and radioactive equipment

Mexican Official Standards (NOMs): Products subject to Mexican Official Standards (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, or NOMs) may require a certificate of conformity. Certain types of machines and appliances require compliance with certain NOMs depending on various factors such as electrical input, mechanical design, function, and safety requirements. The Secretaria de Economia provides a search feature where information on the relevant NOMS relating to a specific product can be found.

Nuclear reactor and radioactive materials require an import license.

(Last updated on 2026-10-27)

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

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

• Appliances that are connected to line power typically require testing and safety certification by an independent laboratory recognized by destination (import) country. There are also safety standards on batteries, particularly rechargeable batteries, that are shipped included in such devices.
• There are two concerns regarding emissions, which also require testing and safety certification by an independent laboratory recognized by destination (import) country: Radio frequency interference (RFI; even radios and TV receivers emit weak signals that can interfere with other devices) and transmitters (including low power devices like cell phones). There are international and/or national standards limiting spurious radio frequency emissions.
• TVs and computer monitors employing cathode ray tube emit very low level gamma radiation, and are subject to maximum radiation standards. (LED and plasma screens, which have all but replaced CRT TVs, do not emit gamma radiation).
• Labeling for point of sale packaging varies by import country, but typical requirements include:
  • Product description
  • Origin country
  • Certifications as to safety, RFI, possibly radiation
  • Warnings: Require safety warnings concerning shock, and radiation if gamma radiation is emitted
  • General consumer product labeling requirements, such as required language(s), name of manufacturer or distributor and how to contact
  • Intellectual property (IP) protection; counterfeit and mis-branded products prohibited
• Gray market goods restrictions may be in place. Importer may have to provide evidence of right to distribute within country of import, and such documentation should be provided before exportation.
• Some countries now require recycling instructions on these types of products.

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 2026-10-27)

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

The Montreal Protocol — a Global Response to Ozone and Climate Threats — was signed in 1987 and took effect in 1989 as a global treaty to protect the ozone layer by phasing out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These were replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have no ozone-depleting potential, but are potent greenhouse gases — now being phased down under the 2016 Kigali Amendment to promote climate-safe alternatives.

(Last updated on 2026-10-27)

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.

• For specific requirements and product restrictions check:
  • Bangladesh Import Policy Order (2015-2018).
  • For information, policies, special requirements and product restrictions contact:
    • Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Secretariat, Bldg. 3, 1st Floor, Abdul Gani Rd, BD-1000 Dhaka

(Last updated on 2025-08-12)

Batteries

Certificate of conformity is required.

• For additional information see:
  • Conformity Certification for Exports to Bangladesh

(Last updated on 2024-07-25)

Vehicles (general)

Imports of any motorcycle above 155cc or more than 3 years old are prohibited.

Vehicles more than 5 years old are prohibited imports.

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:

• Safety: Minimum standards and test certification of tires, brakes, electrical systems, headlights, tail lights, safety belts, and crash worthiness, fuel systems/tanks, etc.
• Emissions: Maximum emission standards, a variety of chemicals, which periodically become more strict, and fuel systems/tanks that are sealed.
• Operational design: There may be operational requirements such as the side of the vehicle for the driver position.
• Gray market goods restrictions: Importer may have to provide evidence of right to re-distribute within country of import, and such documentation should be provided before exportation.

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 2026-04-29)

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.

In order to import abandoned ships, or scrap vessels, the exporter or owner needs certification, and the importer must submit a declaration confirming that no toxic or hazardous waste is being transported.

Check Ministry of Commerce Import Policy Orders.

(Last updated on 2026-04-06)

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.

(Last updated on 2025-08-01)

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 media are prohibited:

• Maps, charts and geographical globes which do not indicate the territory of Bangladesh according to the maps published by the Dept. of Survey;
• Horror comics, obscene and subversive literature incl. such pamphlets, posters, newspapers, periodicals, photographs, films, gramophone records and audio and video cassette tapes etc.
• Books, newspapers, periodicals, documents and other papers, posters, photographs, films, gramophone records, audio and video cassettes, tapes, etc. containing matters likely to offend the religious feelings and beliefs of any class of Bangladesh citizens.

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

(Last updated on 2025-06-02)

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 2025-03-13)

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:
  • Certification for Export.

(Last updated on 2025-06-08)