Overview of the Export Registration Certificate (ERC)
Any company intending to conduct export business in Bangladesh must obtain an ERC (Export Registration Certificate) from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E). The ERC is a mandatory legal requirement for all exporters, and export customs clearance is not possible without it.
Korean companies need an ERC whether they establish a local subsidiary in Bangladesh to export directly or operate through a local partner. In recent years, CCI&E has introduced an online application system, which has shortened processing times.
CCI&E
Issuing Authority
Under Ministry of Commerce
7-15 days
Processing Time
If documents are complete
BDT 6,000
Registration Fee
Approx. $55
1 year
Validity
Annual renewal required
BDT 3,000
Renewal Fee
Approx. $27
45,000+
Registered Exporters
As of 2024
Available
Online Application
erc.gov.bd
Conditional
Foreign Ownership
BIDA registration required
Eligibility and Required Documents
Required Documents for ERC Application
| Category | Document | Issuing Authority | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | Trade License | City Corporation/Municipality | Latest renewed copy |
| Mandatory | TIN Certificate | NBR | Electronically verified |
| Mandatory | Bank Account Certificate | Relationship bank | For export-import account |
| Mandatory | Certificate of Incorporation | RJSC | For incorporated entities only |
| Mandatory | Association Membership Certificate | Relevant export association | Such as BGMEA |
| Foreign-owned | BIDA Investment Registration | BIDA | For foreign-invested companies |
| Foreign-owned | Notarized home-country business registration | Embassy | Apostille/legalization required |
| Optional | VAT Registration Certificate (BIN) | NBR | If applicable |
Step-by-Step ERC Registration Process
01
Online Pre-Registration at erc.gov.bd
Access the CCI&E online portal at erc.gov.bd and enter the company profile for pre-registration. Applicants provide the company name, authorized representative, business address, export products by HS code, expected destination markets, and estimated annual export value. A reference number is issued once pre-registration is completed.
02
Submission of Documents and Payment of Fees
Using the pre-registration reference number, the applicant submits the required documents to the CCI&E office either physically or through the online workflow. The registration fee of BDT 6,000 must be paid to a designated bank such as Sonali Bank, and the payment receipt must be attached. Incomplete submissions often trigger document correction requests, so document readiness is critical.
03
CCI&E Review and Site Verification
CCI&E officers review the submitted documents and may conduct a physical verification of the business premises when necessary. For manufacturing exporters, the review often includes confirmation of factory location and production facilities. For trading exporters, the existence of an actual office is typically checked. The review period usually takes 7 to 15 days.
04
ERC Issuance and Commencement of Export Operations
Once the review is approved, the ERC is issued with the registration number, validity period, and approved export items. After issuance, the company can receive export LC advice from its bank and proceed with export customs clearance.
Renewal and Amendment Procedures
ERC Renewal
Renewal PeriodAnnual July-June fiscal cycle
Renewal FeeBDT 3,000 (about $27)
Required DocumentsExisting ERC + renewed Trade License
Penalty for Non-RenewalExport clearance blocked; re-registration may be needed
Changes to ERC Details
Adding ProductsApply to add HS codes
Address ChangeChange notification + supporting documents
Change of Authorized PersonBoard resolution + amendment filing
Company Name ChangeApply after RJSC update is completed
Overall ERC Process Flow
ERC Application Workflow
Preparation
Secure Trade License and TIN
→↓
Online Registration
Access erc.gov.bd
→↓
Documents and Fee
Pay BDT 6,000
→↓
CCI&E Review
Usually 7-15 days
→↓
ERC Issuance
Export operations can begin
Bangladesh's Export Registration Certificate is the legal foundation for any export business activity in the country. Korean companies should treat ERC acquisition and annual renewal as part of their core compliance roadmap, especially when setting up a local entity tied to BIDA registration and customs operations.
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