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Bangladesh Customs Clearance Procedures 2020: Import Guide and Practical Tips

Overview of Bangladesh's Import Customs Clearance

The primary gateways for import customs clearance in Bangladesh are Chattogram (Chittagong) seaport and the Benapole land border crossing. As of 2020, average clearance time from arrival to port release stands at 5–8 days. The country has introduced the ASYCUDA World electronic customs system and is advancing its digitization agenda incrementally. All clearance formalities are handled in practice by a Clearing & Forwarding (C&F) Agent, and importers must hold a valid Import Registration Certificate (IRC).

5–8 days
Clearance Time
average
Chattogram
Primary Port
90% of imports
ASYCUDA World
System
electronic customs
3,000+
C&F Agents
registered firms
30–40%
Inspection Rate
physical inspection
Mandatory
IRC
Import Registration Certificate

Step-by-Step Import Clearance Procedure

Bangladesh Import Customs Clearance Procedure
StepProcedureTime RequiredDocuments NeededResponsible Party
1IRC registration & L/C opening3–5 daysTIN, Trade LicenseBank / CCI&E
2Receipt of shipping documents1–2 daysB/L, Invoice, P/LC&F Agent
3Bill of Entry filing1 dayASYCUDA inputC&F Agent
4Duty assessment & review1–2 daysCIF verificationCustoms
5Physical inspection (Green/Red)0–3 daysContainer examinationCustoms
6Duty & VAT payment1 dayBank paymentImporter
7Release & delivery1 dayDelivery OrderPort / C&F

The ASYCUDA World system classifies shipments into a Green Channel (document review only) or Red Channel (physical inspection). Green Channel clearance can be completed within 1–2 days, while Red Channel adds 2–3 days due to container examination. Approximately 30–40% of all imports are routed to the Red Channel.

Chattogram vs. Mongla: Port Comparison

Chattogram Port (Primary)
Throughput3M TEU (90%)
Clearance Time5–8 days
StrengthsGood infrastructure, high frequency
WeaknessesCongestion, long wait times
Mongla Port (Secondary)
Throughput100K TEU (3%)
Clearance Time3–5 days
StrengthsLess congested, faster release
WeaknessesDraft limitations, restricted vessel sizes
01
Required Documents and Preparation
Key documents required for import customs clearance: (1) Bill of Lading (B/L): three originals. (2) Commercial Invoice: signed by supplier, with CIF value stated. (3) Packing List: weight, quantity, and packaging details. (4) Certificate of Origin: mandatory when claiming preferential tariffs. (5) L/C copy: letter of credit issued by the bank. (6) Insurance Certificate: required under CIF terms. (7) BSTI Certification: mandatory for certain products (electrical, electronics, chemicals, etc.). (8) PSI (Pre-Shipment Inspection): required for select product categories.
02
Selecting a C&F Agent and Costs
Import customs clearance in Bangladesh is practically impossible without a C&F Agent. (1) C&F Agent fees: USD 200–500 per shipment, depending on cargo size. (2) Responsibilities: preparing the Bill of Entry, paying duties on behalf of the importer, attending physical inspections, and coordinating port release. (3) Selection criteria: valid license, local network in Chattogram, and experience handling Korean trade. (4) Caution: be prepared to manage requests for unofficial payments ("Speed Money"). KOTRA Dhaka Trade Center offers a C&F Agent referral service.
03
Practical Tips for Korean Exporters
(1) Pre-confirm HS codes: check for classification differences between Korean and Bangladeshi HS codes (identical at 6 digits, diverge from the 8-digit level). (2) CIF terms preferred: Bangladeshi importers favor CIF pricing, as it forms the basis for duty assessment. (3) Certificate of Origin: obtain from the Korean Chamber of Commerce when claiming APTA preferential rates. (4) BSTI certification: electrical, electronics, and chemical products require advance BSTI approval. (5) Partial shipments: include a Partial Shipment allowed clause in the L/C. (6) Clearance delay planning: demurrage charges arise when Chattogram port is congested.
04
Customs Reform and Outlook
(1) ASYCUDA World upgrade: target of 100% electronic customs across all ports nationwide by 2022. (2) National Single Window: one-stop processing integrating all import-related agencies (Customs, BSTI, FDA, etc.). (3) Authorized Economic Operator (AEO): priority Green Channel access for compliant importers. (4) Risk Management: AI-based risk analysis targeting a physical inspection rate below 20%. (5) Chattogram port expansion: Bay Terminal construction to double cargo handling capacity.

Import Clearance Flow

Step 1
IRC registration + L/C opening
↓
Step 2
Shipment + B/L receipt
↓
Step 3
ASYCUDA declaration
↓
Step 4
Duty assessment & review
↓
Step 5
Physical inspection (Green/Red)
↓
Step 6
Duty & VAT payment
↓
Step 7
Release & delivery
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Despite the rollout of ASYCUDA World, Bangladesh's import clearance still averages 5–8 days, and C&F Agents remain indispensable. Korean exporters can minimize clearance risks by confirming HS codes in advance, obtaining BSTI certification, optimizing CIF pricing, and choosing a reliable C&F Agent.

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Bangladesh Customs Clearance Procedures 2020: Import Guide and Practical Tips | Dhaka Trade Portal