Includes a list of goods that are prohibited from being exported to the country or are otherwise restricted.
Last Published: 12/10/2018

Bangladesh places controls on imports of some items currently listed in the Import Policy Order 2015-2018 at the website of the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports.

On February 15, 2016, the Government of Bangladesh introduced the Import Policy Order 2015-18.  The previous policy order expired on June 30, 2015 (however it remained valid until the Import Policy Order 2015-18 was issued).  The new policy puts emphasis on easing the imports of raw materials for use in export-oriented industries.  The country of origin must be noted on all products, product packaging, or containers.  However, for imports of coal, cotton, aluminum, and export-oriented garment and industrial related raw materials, the country of origin is not required.  Nuclear radiation tests are mandatory for imported milk, dairy, edible oil, vegetable seeds, grains, and other food products.  Such certification should also be submitted to Customs authorities.  Non-commercial importers (individuals and organizations) may import goods worth seven thousand dollars for personal use; with permission, non-commercial importers may import more than seven thousand dollars’ worth of goods.  According to the new policy order, ocean-going ships, oil tankers and fishing trawlers older than 25 years cannot be imported.  To import abandoned ships (scrap vessels), the 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’.

Items banned on either religious, social, health, or economic policy grounds include illegal drugs, materials that would offend religious sensitivities, certain agricultural products and several types of reconditioned equipment.  In addition, the importation of goods from Israel and shipment of goods on vessels operating under the Israeli flag are prohibited.  Additional items are restricted, but not banned, from import for religious, social, health, security or trade reasons.  Of the restricted items, some may be imported with prior permission, while other items may be imported only by authorized industrial users (e.g., pharmaceutical enterprises) or government agencies (e.g., arms and ammunition).
 

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