Country profile
Bangladesh
BD · BGDAs of: 7/28/2026Textile and apparel exporter, South Asian seaport gateway
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.
Overview
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.
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
National Board of Revenue (NBR) / Bangladesh CustomsImport 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.
Export system
Export processing is handled via ASYCUDA World; the exporter needs an Export Registration Certificate (ERC) and the EXP form. EU EBA preferential access continues after LDC graduation until November 2029.
Import VAT
- Standard VAT of 15 percent on most imports
- in addition, customs duty on the CFR value plus 1 percent insurance and 1 percent landing charge.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Letter of credit (L/C)
- Bill of Entry (ASYCUDA World)
- Import Registration Certificate (IRC)
- PSI certificate if applicable
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Export Registration Certificate (ERC)
- EXP form
- Certificate of origin (Form A / REX)
Origin proofs / FTA
As an LDC, Bangladesh uses unilateral preferences (EU EBA, GSP). Proof of origin via REX/Form A. EBA transition until November 2029 after LDC graduation on 24.11.2026.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibitions and restrictions per the Import Policy Order. Licensing required, among others, for weapons and chemicals; certain goods require Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI).
Export controls & sanctions
No comprehensive international sanctions against Bangladesh (EU, Switzerland/SECO, UN). Normal trading partner; standard dual-use due diligence recommended.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: certificates/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka (DAC)
- Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram (CGP)
Seaports / access ports
- Chattogram (Chittagong)
- Mongla
- Payra
- Matarbari (deep-sea port, under construction)
Inland ports & terminals
- Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (Dhaka)
- Ashuganj
Road corridors & border crossings
- Dhaka-Chattogram (N1)
- Dhaka-Mongla
- Asian Highway AH1 / AH2
Rail corridors
- Dhaka-Chattogram
- Dhaka-Khulna / Mongla
Top trade lanes
- Bangladesh-EU
- Bangladesh-USA
- Bangladesh-China
- Bangladesh-India
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Recurring port congestion and strikes in Chattogram, lengthy customs clearance, and the political transition period (parliamentary election February 2026) burden supply chains.
Seasonal & weather risks
Monsoon (June to October) with flooding, and cyclones from the Bay of Bengal, especially April/May and October/November.
Current logistics notes
Chattogram: 48-hour strike by container truck operators 21.-23.7.2026 (protest against increased Advance Income Tax) disrupted import and export traffic; in addition, a jurisdictional dispute between the port authority and customs over about 250 untraceable containers, and an online auction of 168 old containers to ease congestion. Budget FY2026/27: new 15 percent VAT on 20 previously exempt import items, tariff revision across 261 lines in preparation for LDC graduation (24.11.2026). (as of 2026-07-25)
As of: 2026-07-28
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 4, 2026 | Shab-e-Barat | National | |||
| Feb 21, 2026 | Shaheed Day / International Mother Language Day | National | |||
| Mar 17, 2026 | Shab-e-Qadr (Lailatul Qadr) | National | |||
| Mar 19, 2026 | Eid ul-Fitr (Day 1) | National | Five-day Eid block (19-23 Mar): factories, customs and ports largely closed; RMG production and shippers interrupted for days. | ||
| Mar 20, 2026 | Eid ul-Fitr (Day 2) | National | |||
| Mar 21, 2026 | Eid ul-Fitr (Day 3) | National | |||
| Mar 22, 2026 | Eid ul-Fitr (Day 4) | National | |||
| Mar 23, 2026 | Eid ul-Fitr (Day 5) | National | |||
| Mar 26, 2026 | Independence Day | National | |||
| Apr 14, 2026 | Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year) | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | May Day / Buddha Purnima | National | |||
| May 27, 2026 | Eid ul-Adha (Day 1) | National | Multi-day Eid block (27-30 May, six days per MoPA list): factories, customs and ports largely closed. | ||
| May 28, 2026 | Eid ul-Adha (Day 2) | National | |||
| May 29, 2026 | Eid ul-Adha (Day 3) | National | |||
| May 30, 2026 | Eid ul-Adha (Day 4) | National | |||
| Jun 26, 2026 | Ashura (10th Muharram) | National | |||
| Aug 5, 2026 | July Mass Uprising Day | National | |||
| Aug 25, 2026 | Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday) | National | |||
| Sep 4, 2026 | Janmashtami (Birth of Lord Krishna) | National | |||
| Oct 20, 2026 | Durga Puja | National | |||
| Oct 21, 2026 | Vijaya Dashami | National | |||
| Dec 16, 2026 | Victory Day | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National |
Shab-e-Barat
Feb 4, 2026
Shaheed Day / International Mother Language Day
Feb 21, 2026
Shab-e-Qadr (Lailatul Qadr)
Mar 17, 2026
Eid ul-Fitr (Day 1)
Mar 19, 2026
Five-day Eid block (19-23 Mar): factories, customs and ports largely closed; RMG production and shippers interrupted for days.
Eid ul-Fitr (Day 2)
Mar 20, 2026
Eid ul-Fitr (Day 3)
Mar 21, 2026
Eid ul-Fitr (Day 4)
Mar 22, 2026
Eid ul-Fitr (Day 5)
Mar 23, 2026
Independence Day
Mar 26, 2026
Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year)
Apr 14, 2026
May Day / Buddha Purnima
May 1, 2026
Eid ul-Adha (Day 1)
May 27, 2026
Multi-day Eid block (27-30 May, six days per MoPA list): factories, customs and ports largely closed.
Eid ul-Adha (Day 2)
May 28, 2026
Eid ul-Adha (Day 3)
May 29, 2026
Eid ul-Adha (Day 4)
May 30, 2026
Ashura (10th Muharram)
Jun 26, 2026
July Mass Uprising Day
Aug 5, 2026
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)
Aug 25, 2026
Janmashtami (Birth of Lord Krishna)
Sep 4, 2026
Durga Puja
Oct 20, 2026
Vijaya Dashami
Oct 21, 2026
Victory Day
Dec 16, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Sources: MoPA-Feiertagsliste 2026 (mondabhängig) · Ministry of Public Administration (MoPA), Feiertagsliste 2026 · MoPA-Feiertagsliste 2026 (5 Tage Eid ul-Fitr, mondabhängig) · MoPA-Feiertagsliste 2026 · MoPA-Feiertagsliste 2026 (Hindu-Kalender) · Jährlicher Fixtermin; MoPA-Notifikation 2027 ausstehend
Airports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd
- nbr.gov.bd
- cpa.gov.bd
- hsia.gov.bd
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Bangladesh?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Bangladesh?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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