# Bangladesh (BD)

**Capital:** Dhaka  
**Currency:** Bangladesh Taka (BDT) (BDT)  
**Population:** 173,000,000 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 148,460 km²

> As the world's second-largest apparel exporter, Bangladesh is a key sourcing hub. The seaport of Chattogram (Chittagong) handles around 90 percent of foreign trade and almost all container traffic (over 3.4 million TEU in 2025); Mongla and Payra add capacity, and Matarbari is being built as the first deep-sea port. Air freight runs mainly through Dhaka (Hazrat Shahjalal). Key challenges are port congestion, slow customs clearance (ASYCUDA World), monsoon and cyclones, and the LDC graduation on 24 Nov 2026 with an EU EBA transition until 2029.

Bangladesh (BD) lies in South Asia on the Bay of Bengal and, as the world's second-largest apparel exporter, is a key sourcing region with Chattogram as its seaport gateway. Customs clearance runs electronically through ASYCUDA World under the National Board of Revenue; standard import VAT is 15 percent, plus duties on the CFR value. Until LDC graduation on 24 November 2026 the country benefits from EU EBA preferences (transition until November 2029). The main gateways are Chattogram (around 90 percent of foreign trade, over 3.4 million TEU in 2025), Mongla and Payra — with Matarbari under construction as the first deep-sea port — plus the airports of Dhaka (DAC) and Chattogram (CGP). Key corridors are the Dhaka–Chattogram road (N1), the Dhaka–Chattogram rail line and the inland waterways with the Pangaon terminal. Main exports are apparel, jute and leather goods; imports centre on machinery, textile raw materials and petroleum products, with the EU, USA, China and India as leading partners.

**Top Import Partners:** CN, IN, SG, JP, ID

**Top Export Partners:** US, DE, ES, GB, FR

**Top Import Goods:** Machinery, Textile raw materials, Petroleum products, Chemicals, Metals

**Top Export Goods:** Clothing and textiles, Jute, Leather goods, Fish, Home textiles

**Key Airports:**
- [Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/hazrat-shahjalal-international-airport-dac)
- [Barisal Airport (BZL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/barisal-airport-bzl)
- [Cox's Bazar Airport (CXB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/coxs-bazar-airport-cxb)
- [Ishurdi Airport (IRD)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/ishurdi-airport-ird)
- [Jessore Airport (JSR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/jessore-airport-jsr)
- [Osmany International Airport (ZYL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/osmany-international-airport-zyl)
- [Saidpur Airport (SPD)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/saidpur-airport-spd)
- [Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/shah-amanat-international-airport-cgp)
- [Shah Mokhdum Airport (RJH)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/shah-mokhdum-airport-rjh)
- [Bogra Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bogra-airport-3914)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** Standard VAT of 15 percent on most imports  
**Customs complexity:** High  
**Customs system:** Customs clearance is electronic via ASYCUDA World. Import declaration (Bill of Entry) is submitted by the importer or a C&F agent; the importer needs an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) from the CCI&E.  
**Customs authority:** [National Board of Revenue (NBR) / Bangladesh Customs](https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Textile and apparel exporter, South Asian seaport gateway  
**Economic area:** SAARC / BIMSTEC (LDC until 24.11.2026)  
**Logistics risk:** medium to high  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### Which customs system does Bangladesh use?

Customs clearance is handled electronically via ASYCUDA World under the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Importers need an Import Registration Certificate (IRC), and exporters an Export Registration Certificate (ERC).

### What is the import tax (VAT) rate in Bangladesh?

The standard VAT rate is 15 percent on most imports. In addition, customs duty is charged on the CFR value plus 1 percent insurance and 1 percent landing charge.

### Which ports handle foreign trade?

The port of Chattogram (Chittagong) handles around 90 percent of foreign trade and almost all container traffic. Mongla (bulk cargo) and Payra complement it; Matarbari is being developed as the first deep-sea port.

### Which documents are needed for imports?

Required documents include, among others, the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, a letter of credit (L/C), the Bill of Entry and the IRC. Certain goods require a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI).

### What does LDC graduation in 2026 mean for trade?

Bangladesh loses its LDC status on 24.11.2026. Duty-free EU market access (Everything But Arms) continues thanks to a transition period until November 2029; afterwards, GSP+ or free trade agreements will be required.

### Which risks exist in the supply chain?

The main risks are port congestion and strikes in Chattogram, lengthy customs clearance, monsoon flooding and cyclones from the Bay of Bengal, as well as the political transition period after the February 2026 election.

### Which airport is key for air freight?

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka (DAC) is the most important air cargo hub; a new third terminal significantly increases capacity. Chattogram (CGP) serves as a supplement.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd](https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd)
- [https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/](https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/)
- [https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/trade_info/customs_clearance](https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/trade_info/customs_clearance)
- [https://nbr.gov.bd/faq/vat-faq/en](https://nbr.gov.bd/faq/vat-faq/en)
- [https://nbr.gov.bd/publications/customs/eng](https://nbr.gov.bd/publications/customs/eng)
- [https://hub.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/](https://hub.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/)
- [https://www.bb.org.bd/aboutus/regulationguideline/foreignexchange/feguidevol1/7_a.pdf](https://www.bb.org.bd/aboutus/regulationguideline/foreignexchange/feguidevol1/7_a.pdf)
- [https://www.hsia.gov.bd/content-details/5/Terminals](https://www.hsia.gov.bd/content-details/5/Terminals)

*Last verified: 2026-07-28*

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