Bangladesh: Import (product-based)
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:
A health certificate is required for certain animals, particularly livestock.
- 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:
(Last updated on 2025-06-09)
Animals: Live
Imports of fish and fish products require a sanitary inspection certificate.
- 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.
Certain dairy products are subject to mandatory Bangladeshi standards and may require certification by the:
(Last updated on 2025-06-06)
Animal products: Meat
Meat products may require special certification.
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 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:
(Last updated on 2025-05-05)
Plants and plant products (general)
Agricultural products are regulated by the:
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:
(Last updated on 2018-11-08)
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:
- Note: shipper should confirm product-specific requirements with their customers in Bangladesh.
(Last updated on 2025-06-09)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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:
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 2024-04-24)
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.
- 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:
(Last updated on 2024-07-25)
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):
- 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 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.
- Opened for signature on 16 Sep 1987, the 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the framework for international cooperation in addressing ozone depletion was established. The Montreal Protocol entered into force on 01 Jan 1989, and has since undergone several revisions:
- Note: As of 23 Jun 2015, all countries in the United Nations, the Cook Islands, Holy See, Niue and the European Union have ratified the original Montreal Protocol, with South Sudan being the last country to ratify the agreement, bringing the total to 197 countries. These countries have also ratified the London, Copenhagen, Montreal, and Beijing amendments.
(Last updated on 2024-08-26)
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:
(Last updated on 2023-01-06)
Batteries
Certificate of conformity is required.
- For additional information see:
(Last updated on 2024-07-25)
Vehicles (general)
Motor bikes at 500cc are allowed for importation.
- Alert: Vehicles more than 3 years old are prohibited to be imported.
- Note: The import of reconditioned cars will be phased out by 2025. This measure has been implemented to encourage investments in the assembly and manufacture of motor vehicles within Bangladesh.
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 2025-06-09)
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 2024-04-24)
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:
(Last updated on 2025-06-08)
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.
