Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 12/10/2018

In general, documents required for importation include a letter of credit authorization form, a bill of lading or airway bill, commercial invoice or packing list, and certificate of origin.  For certain imported items or services, additional certifications or import permits related to health, security or other matters are required by the relevant government agencies.  Reduced documentation requirements apply for the public sector. 

Bangladesh imposes registration requirements on commercial importers and private industrial consumers.  In some cases, the registrations specify maximum values of imports.  Commercial importers are defined as those who import goods for sale without further processing.  Private industrial consumers are units registered with one of four sponsoring agencies: the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), for industries located in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs); the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), for small and medium-sized enterprises; the Handloom Board, for handloom industries run by weavers’ associations engaged in the preservation of classical Bangladesh weaving techniques; and the Bangladesh Investment Development Board (BIDA) (formerly the Board of Investment), for all other private industries.

Commercial importers and private industrial consumers (with the exception of those located in EPZs) must register with the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCIE) within the Ministry of Commerce. The Chief Controller issues import registration certificates (IRC).  An IRC is generally issued within 10 days of receipt of the application.  Commercial importers are free to import any quantity of non-restricted items.  For industrial consumers, the IRC specifies the maximum value (the “import entitlement”) for each product that the industrial consumer may import each year, including items on the restricted list for imports.  The import entitlement is intended as a means to monitor imports of raw materials and machinery, most of which enter Bangladesh at concessional duty rates.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.