Report Name: Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards
Country Report
Country: Bangladesh
Post: Dhaka
Report Category: FAIRS Annual Country Report
Prepared By: Dr. Tanvir Hossain
Approved By: Tyler Babcock
Report Highlights:
The FAIRS Annual Country Report maintains the baseline information for Bangladesh as it relates to all
food for human and animal consumption. In addition to an overview of the Government of
Bangladesh’s (GoB’s) regulatory infrastructure and import control policies, this report includes FAS
Dhaka’s assessment of laws and requirements for food and agricultural products imposed on imports.
This report is not meant to be a catalogue of all additive and pesticide regulations for all products nor an
attempt to list all the GoB food laws. For further information, please contact AgDhaka@usda.gov.
Executive Summary
In calendar year (CY) 2019, Bangladesh was the 32nd largest market for U.S. agricultural product exports (by
value), reaching nearly US$1 billion. Approximately 89 percent of U.S. agricultural exports to Bangladesh are
bulk products (e.g., wheat, soybeans, cotton). Intermediate products (e.g., soymeal, distillers grains, and feed
and fodder) represent approximately 10 percent. Consumer oriented products, as well as agricultural related
products (e.g. fish and forest products), are minimal.
Bangladesh, with a population of 163.7 million people, is the third largest Muslim-majority country in the world.
With India to the west and Myanmar to the east, Bangladesh is strategically located at the crossroads between
South and Southeast Asia. Despite rapid economic growth and great potential for agriculture production and
trade, the implementation, oversight, and enforcement of Bangladesh’s agriculture food safety regulations
continues to be an area of concern for consumers, as well as businesses involved in agricultural trade,
production, and processing. There are approximately 15 federal ministries and 18 agencies involved in food,
feed, and veterinary drug safety, including the Ministry of Food, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of
Fisheries and Livestock.
Bangladesh’s food safety policies and regulations are relatively new. In partnership with the international
community, Bangladesh has undertaken major food policy reforms in the recent past. Implementation,
enforcement, and development of Bangladesh’s food and agriculture policy has been fragmented but is steadily
progressing. In terms of legislation, the 2013 Food Safety Act is the key over-arching legislation for food safety
in Bangladesh. The 2015-18 Import Policy Order is the key legislation for regulating imports.
https://www.dpp.gov.bd/upload_file/gazettes/16173_23175.pdf%22http://nbr.gov.bd/regulations/policy/eng%
22Bangladesh has significant overlap in oversight responsibilities, particularly in regulatory response (i.e.
enforcement of inspection, standards, testing). The redundancy often leads to confusion amongst private sector
companies, as well as frustration and friction amongst governing agencies. Furthermore, this overlap has led to
a set of conflicting standards and inspection protocols that are enforced by the various ministries and agencies,
ultimately creating weaknesses in the regulatory response to the food sector. There is a great need and desire
to improve coordination in regulatory oversight and to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all
ministries and agencies in managing food safety systems.
DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by the Office of Agricultural Affairs, USDA/Foreign
Agricultural Service in Dhaka, Bangladesh for U.S. exporters of domestic food and agricultural products.
While every possible care has been taken in the preparation of this report, information provided may not
be completely accurate either because policies have changed since its preparation or because clear and
consistent information about these policies was unavailable. It is highly recommended that U.S.
exporters verify the full set of import requirements with their Bangladeshi partners, who are normally
best equipped to research such matters with local authorities, before any goods are shipped.
FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO BANGLADESH’S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS
INTERPRETED BY BORDER OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.
Please contact this office if you have any comments, corrections or suggestions about the material contained in
this report.
Office of the Agricultural Affairs
U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Phone: +88-02-5566-2852
Email: Ag.Dhaka@fas.usda.gov
Table of Contents
Contents Page
I. Food laws 5
II. Labeling requirements 8
III. Packaging and container regulations 9
IV. Food additive regulations 10
V. Pesticide and other contaminants 10
VI. Other requirements, regulations, and registration
measures
10
VII. Other specific standards 11
VIII. Trademarks, brand names and intellectual property
rights
13
IX. Import procedures 13
X. Trade facilitation 17
Appendix i. Government regulatory key agency contacts 20
Appendix ii. Other import specialist technical contacts 26
Section I: Food Laws
The Food Safety Act, 2013 (FSA), which was enacted in February 2015, led to the establishment of the
Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA). The BFSA is housed within the Ministry of Food and for reference
purposes can be considered similar to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). BFSA was created
to “regulate and monitor the activities related to manufacture, import, processing, storage, distribution and sale
of food so as to ensure access to safe food through exercise of appropriate scientific methods, and to coordinate
the activities of all the organizations concerned with food safety management.” (Food Safety Act, 2013).
Although the 2013 FSA assigned coordination authority for food safety to the BFSA, the GoB has divided the
responsibilities of food safety governance, implementation, enforcement, and oversight among 15 federal
ministries and 18 agencies. This has created a level of confusion and duplication in responsibilities, particularly
in terms of food safety communication, management, and regulatory oversight.
According to Chapter II. 3 of the FSA, the National Food Safety Management Advisory Council (NFSMAC) was
formed to advise and guide the BFSA. The council is comprised of 29 members, including the Minister from the
Ministry of Food (MoF) and a member of the Parliament nominated by the Speaker of the House of the Nation.
The council is responsible for meeting twice a year at a date and time determined by the MoF Minister. The last
meeting held by NFSMAC was on February 13, 2020.
The 13 duties of the BFSA, according to the 2013 FSA and as directed by the NFSMAC, are as follows:
- to scientifically define all the available foods from plants, animals, and other major sources and
provide support to the concerned authorities or organization in updating quality parameters,
and monitor the implementation of their activities to ensure food safety; - to render necessary support to the concerned authorities or organizations in updating and
upgrading the food standards or guidelines to the highest level of safety done by the same
under existing laws; - to specify food standards and formulate guidelines, where no quality and safety parameter or
guideline of such food is determined under existing laws; - to provide the concerned authority or organization with necessary support in updating or
upgrading the permissible limit at its highest safety level for use of contaminants, microbial
contaminants, fertilizer, residue of insecticides and pesticides, residue of veterinary and fishery
drugs, heavy metals, processing aids, additives or preservatives, mycotoxin, antibiotics,
medicine related active substances and growth promoters in the food product determined by
any other authority or organization under the existing laws, and monitor implementation
thereof; - to determine permissible limit of use of contaminants through exercise of scientific methods,
where the permissible limit of contaminants, microbial contaminants, fertilizers, residue of
insecticides or pesticides, residue of veterinary and fishery drugs, heavy metals, processing aid
and, food additive or preservatives, mycotoxin, antibiotic, medicine related active substances
and growth promoters is not determined under any existing law; - to provide necessary support to the relevant authority or organization in specifying permissible
limit of radiation in food and implementation monitoring thereof; - to provide necessary support to the concerned authority or organization in formulating and
implementing accreditation policies to be followed by the certification bodies having authority
for issuing certificate of food safety management system to carry out food business; - to provide necessary support to the concerned authority or organization in formulating
procedural guidelines for accrediting food testing laboratories and implementation monitoring
thereof; - to provide necessary advice to the concerned authority in monitoring and taking immediate
corrective measures to remove the non-conformance observed during monitoring of
laboratories engaged in measuring food adulterants and quality; - to specify standards and prescribe testing procedures, if not otherwise done, of any food to be
imported under existing laws, and accordingly provide necessary support to the concerned
authority or organization to ensure adherence to acceptable quality parameters of food and
implementation monitoring thereof; - to prescribe the procedure relating to packaging and expressing claims on health, nutrition,
special dietary uses and categorization of packaged food and provide necessary support to the
concerned authority or organization for its implementation; - to prescribe the procedure for assessment, analysis, communication and management of
probable risk, and to identify increasing risk and introduce regular food alert system; and - to collect food samples and conduct analysis and exchange of information with the law
enforcing agencies.
In an effort to meet the above defined duties, the BFSA has written a number of new policies in the past five (5)
years. Bangladesh, although an active member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has not notified the
international trading community of changes to existing regulations or the development of new regulations that
impact trade. FAS Dhaka continues to encourage the appropriate departments within the GoB to notify such
regulations to the WTO.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other international
organizations have joint programs with BFSA to support the GoB’s effort to improve food safety, develop food
policy in-line with international standards, and enhance the GoB’s effort to enforce such regulation.
Table 1: Policies related to food and agricultural products in Bangladesh
Agricultural Produce Market Act, 1964 (revised in 1985) (English)
Animal Disease Act, 2005 (Act No. 5 of 2005) (Bengali)
Animal Disease Rules, 2008 (Bengali)
Animal Feed Rules, 2013 (Bengali)
Animal Slaughter and Meat Quality Control Act, 2011 (Act No. 6 of 2011) (Bengali)
Animals Slaughter (Restriction) and Meat Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 1983
Bangladesh Animal and Animal Product Quarantine Act, 2005 (Bengali)
Bangladesh Hotel and Restaurant Act, 2014 (Act No. 15 of 2014) (Bengali)
Bangladesh Pure Food Ordinance (amendment) Act, 2005 (Partly Repealed) (Partly English)
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (Amendment) Act, 2003 (English)
Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution Ordinance, 1985 (English) (Repealed)
Bangladesh Standards of Weights and Measures (Packing and Commodities) Rules, 2007
(Bengali)
Biosafety Rules, 2012 (Bengali)
Breast-Milk Substitutes (Regulation of Marketing) Ordinance, 1984 (English)
Breast-Milk Substitutes, Baby Foods, Commercially Manufactured Supplementary Baby Foods
and Its Equipment (Regulation of Marketing) Act, 2013 (Act No. 35, 2013) (Bengali)
Essential Commodity Act 1957, 58, 64; (English)
Fish and Fish Products (Inspection and Control) Ordinance, 1983 (Part 1 and Part 2)
Fish Feed and Animal Feed Act, 2010 (Act No. 2 of 2010) (English)
Fish Feed Rules, 2011 (English)
Fish Products (Inspection and Quality Control) Rules, 1997 (English)
Fish Protection and Conservation Act, 1950 (latest amendment in 1995) (English)
Food (Contaminants, Toxins and Harmful Residues) Regulations, 2017 (Bengali)
Food Grain Supply (Prevention of Prejudicial Activity) Ordinance, 1956 (English)
Food Safety (Food Hygiene) Regulations, 2018 (Bengali)
Food Safety (Food Tactile/Contact Materials) Regulations, 2019 (Bengali)
Food Safety (Food Processing and Administration System) Rules, 2014 (Bengali)
Food Safety Act, 2013 (Act No. 43 of 2013) (English and Bangla)
Food Sample Collection, Testing and Analysis Regulations, 2017 (Bengali)
Formalin Control Act, 2015 (Act No. 5 of 2015) (Bengali)
Import Policy Order, 2015-18 (English, Bengali)
Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Act, 1989
Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 and Rules, 1983
Mobile Court Ain, 2009 [Mobile Court Act, 2009] (Act No. of 2009) (Bengali)
Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Rules 1997, SRO No. 205 (English)
Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017 (Bengali) [author’s translation]
Pant Quarantine Act, 2011 (Act No. 5 of 2011) (Bengali and English)
Pesticide Act, 2018 (Bengali)
Pesticide Ordinance, 2007 (Bengali)
Pesticide Rules, 1985 (Amendment) and 2010 (Bengali)
Plant Quarantine Rules, 2018 (Bengali, partially English)
Special Powers Act, 1974: Substitute Act, 2013 (English)
Standards of Weights and Measures Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. XII of 1982) (English)
Sthanio Sarkar (City Corporation) Ain, 2009 [Local Government (City Corporation) Act 2009]
[author’s translation]
Sthanio Sarkar (Paurashava) Ain, 2009 Local Government (Paurashava) Act, 2009
The Food (Special Courts) Act, 1956 (English)
Use of Food Additives Regulations, 2017 (Bengali)
Vitamin A Fortification in Edible Oil Act, 2013 (Act No. 65 of 2013)
Vokta Odhikar Songrokkhon Ain, 2009 (Act No. 26 of 2009) (Bengali) [Consumer Rights
Protection Act 2009] (Act No. 26 of 2009) (English)
Section II: Labeling Requirements
A. General Requirements
The Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017 (Bengali) issued by BFSA and the Bangladesh Standards
of Weights and Measures (Packaging and Commodities) Rules, 2007 (Bengali) (link) issued by the
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI) are the two primary policies related to food labeling.
The Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017 establishes technical standards for labeling of domestic and
imported packaged food products, raw materials such as additives, flavoring and coloring substance, allergenic
food, baby food, genetically engineered food, and milk products for human consumption. The Packaged Food
Labeling Regulations, 2017 state that, “For imported products to sell in the local market a label or sub-label in
Bengali should be added.” While BFSA is not currently enforcing this requirement, USDA encourages all U.S.
exporters to comply with official Bangladeshi regulations and laws.
Information should be printed on the package label as stated in the Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017: - Name of the producer, supplier
- Type of food (natural and processed)
- Batch, code or lot number
- Net weight, size or number and total weight
- Date of manufacture
- Date of packing
- Date of expiry
- Use best before date
- Nutritional information
- Food additive info
- Instruction of use
B. Other Specific Labeling requirements
As per the Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017, nutritional labeling is mandatory. The standard U.S.
nutritional fact panel is acceptable. The nutritional components that must be in the label are energy value, fat,
saturates, glucose, sugar, protein, and salt. The other optional nutritional components that can be added are
monounsaturates, polyunsaturates, transfat, cholesterol, polyol, fiber, related vitamins and minerals. The 2017
labeling regulation does not include any clause related to implied claims. The law includes mandatory labeling
of genetically engineered (GE) food ingredients with the statement “GMO food”. The labeling of country of
origin is mandatory and details of name and contacts of the producers, importers, re-packer, and re-bottler,
distributors, and agents are to be printed on the label.
Section III: Packaging and Container Regulations
The Bangladesh Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaging and Commodities) Rules, 2007 (Bengali) and
Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017 (Bengali) are the two main regulatory tools for packaging of food
products. Neither of these rules have incorporated any conditions on the types of materials that can be used for
packaging. Both rules extensively cover labeling conditions of packaging.
There are different national policies and laws in Bangladesh directed toward various types of waste
management. These laws include the Factory Act, 1965 (link); Environmental Pollution Control Ordinance, 1977
(link); Environment Conservation Act, 1995 and 2000 (link); Environment Conservation Rules, 1997 (Ammended
2002) (link); Environment Court Act, 2010 (link); Medical Waste Act and rules (link); and Ozone Depletion
Substance Rules 2014 (link). There is no specific waste disposal law or product recycling regulations which can
regulate imported product packaging and recycling. Rules, restrictions, or limitations on the use of any
packaging materials are not found in any of the ordinances.
Section IV: Food Additive Regulations
The Use of Food Additives Regulation, 2017 (link), is overseen by two agencies (i.e., BFSA, Ministry of Food and
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI), Ministry of Industry).
The regulations include a list of the positive additives that are permitted for use in food. The authorized use of
additives are listed in English according to the category of additives such as color, preservatives, flavor enhancer,
antioxidant, stabilizer, non-nutritive agent, sweetener, acid or acidity regulator, antifoaming agent, foaming
agent, firming agent, thickener, anti-caking agent, sequestrant, gelling agent, emulsifier, bulking agent, flour
treatment agent, glazing agent, humectant, raising agent, and propellant. The level or amount of additive to be
used in food produced locally is approved by BSTI and they follow the Standards Catalogue, 2018 of BSTI, CODEX
standard, and ISO standards. If new additives that are used are not available in the Bangladesh Standards
(Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution Ordinance, 1985, Section 2(1)(b)) or any other rules, then the
permissible level should be followed based on Codex Alimentarius standards for Food Additive or other
intentionally approved standards.
Section V: Pesticide and Other Contaminants
National standards of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides are listed in the BFSA issued Food Safety
(Contaminants, Toxins and Harmful Residues) Regulations, 2017 (link). The long list of admitted insecticides,
fungicides and herbicides can be found in the regulation, which follows the Codex Alimentarius standards. The
MRL level of positive pesticides are also listed in the regulations.
Pesticide registration, licensing, production, use, and quality control are regulated by the Plant Protection Wing,
Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture follows the Pesticide
Act, 2018 (link); the Pesticide Rules, 1985 (Amendment) 2010 (link)http://www.dae.gov.bd/site/page/6ff01fbecb68-4e59-b273-54cc2b2db7cf/-
Section VI: Other Requirements, Regulations, and Registration measures
An inspection and certification process prior to shipment is required for various products. Per the Import Policy
Order, 2015-18 (Link), inspection and disease-free certification is necessary in most cases when importing live
animal and animal products. An example of necessary documents for importing cotton, Dried Distiller’s Grains
with Solubles (DDGS), and tree nuts can be seen on Table 3, under Appendix II.
Pre-shipment testing and certification are necessary for all processed food and agricultural products. In general,
radioactivity (CS 137) testing and certification are required for food and agricultural products. Sampling, testing
and certification at port of arrival are also obligatory for processed food and agricultural products outlined in the
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute policy orders.
Several regulatory agencies oversee food standards, food quality, and sanitation for food safety in the retail,
wholesale, and processing industries. The anti-adulteration and safety audits are conducted by the Ministry of
Commerce, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, and
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Officer of Dhaka City Corporation (North and South), Chief Health
Officer of Dhaka District Commissioner, and/or an Officer from BSTI can visit, without prior notice, markets and
food production companies with the ‘Mobile Court,’ to adjudicate laws for the purpose of ensuring food safety.
The laws that cover market inspection are the Mobile Court Act, 2009 (link); Consumer Rights Protection Act,
2009 (link); and Safe Food Act, 2013 (link). For imported products, the mobile court checks the labels for
importers contact information, expiration date, mislabeled or fake product information, and to ensure that
imported products are included in the BSTI approved product list.
Importers do not have to register imported products, nor is facility registration required.
Section VII: Other Specific Standards
A. Weight and Measures
Bangladesh Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaging and Commodities) Rules, 2007 (link) include rules for
packaged product selling in the retail market, wholesale market, import and export. In the case of imported
product, name and contacts of importers must be labeled on the packet. Standard units of the product must be
mentioned, and if the unit is not standard, the importer will convert that to a standard unit and add an extra
sticker on the packet. The manufacturing date must be printed on the packet. All the additional information,
including retail price, must be added with a sticker on the packet. There are no different rules for imported
processed food, indicating that the exporting country will follow their packaging weight and measure rules for
production and export to Bangladesh.
B. Food Safety (Food Hygiene) Regulations 2018
The Food Safety (Food Hygiene) Regulations, 2018 (link) regulates and guides various sanitation and hygiene
issues like cleanliness of food processing establishment, health guidance for health workers, rules of cleaning
drainage system, equipment used for food processing, and storage. The regulation helps BFSA to raise
awareness about waste management at home and processing industry, water supply to the food processing
industry, food and food material transportation, use of food wrapping and packing, controlling temperature in
food preservation, and conditions applicable for selling street food.
C. Novel Foods (Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs))
Genetically Modified Organisms (i.e. “GMO”, genetically engineered [GE] products) are regulated by
the Bangladesh Biosafety Rules, 2012 (see GAIN Report link). The resolution that entered into force on
August 29, 2012, states that a person or agency cannot produce, export, import, sale or purchase and
use GE products for any commercial purpose without the permission of the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change. At present, the Biosafety Rules, 2012 is followed for imports of GE plant
sample materials for government approved crop research project purposes. The Food Safety (Labeling)
Regulations, 2017 (link) also states that labeling “Genetically Modified Food” must be added on the
packaging of GE foods.
D. Wine, Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages
Importing requirements for wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages are included in the Import Policy Order,
2015-18 (link) which is overseen by the Director General of the Narcotics Control Department, Ministry of Home
Affairs. As per the Import Policy Order, 2015-18, beer and wine of all categories (H.S. Heading No. 22.03 to
22.06 and all H.S. Codes classifiable under this heading) should be imported only by international hotels. In
special cases, such goods can be imported with approval from the Ministry of Commerce with prior permission
from the Chief Controller, subject to specified conditions. However, in all cases, to import beer and alcoholic
drinks, the importer should first obtain a license or permission from the Director General of the Narcotics
Control Department.
E. Animal Quarantine
Bangladesh’s Animal and Animal Product Quarantine Act, 2005 and Import Policy Order, 2015-18 covers animal
quarantine issues under the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The
conditions for importing live animal, meat, day old chicks, live poultry, and eggs are included in the Import Policy
Order, 2015-18. Importers must obtain Import Permit (IP) from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) by
submitting a proforma invoice and registration of the DLS. For importing meat, it is compulsory to have
production and date of expiration and storing methods information on the package of imported meat. Day old
chicks are importable under three conditions, a) a certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting
country, to the effect that the imported chicks are free from contagious diseases; (b) a certificate issued by the
World Organization of Animal Health to the effect that the exporting country is free from Avian Influenza; and
(c) at the time the Letter of Credit (L/C) is opened, the importer must submit the certificate from the director or
an authorized officer of the Livestock Directorate that the importer has either a hatchery or breeding farm.
Eggs of poultry and birds (HS Code No. 0407.00 under HS Heading No. 04.07) are imported with prior permission
from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock subject to the following conditions: (a) eggs are imported in limited
quantity from a country free from Avian Influenza; and (b) for every consignment of imported eggs, there must
be a certificate to the effect that the goods are free from Avian Influenza virus and harmful bacteria; this should
be issued by the Ministry of Agriculture competent authority of the exporting country.
Deep frozen semen and embryos (H.S. Code No. 0511.10 classifiable under H.S. Heading 05.11), except of
Friesian; Friesian Cross; Sahiwal; Sahiwal Cross, Friesian-Sahiwal Cross, Australian-Friesian Sahiwal (A.F.S.), A.F.S.
Cross, Brahman, Murrah, Nili-Ravi, and Mediterranean varieties are imported. For the import of semen, a
certificate shall be obtained from the competent authority of the exporting country regarding the variety of
semen to the effect that it is free from any contagious and venereal diseases, and the exporting country is also
free from Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
F. Halal Foods
Bangladesh authorities stipulate that all meat products must be halal, and the live animal was slaughtered with
proper Islamic custom as defined by the Bangladesh government. The halal requirements for food products
include that the product is free of pork products and free from alcohol. This is also applicable to non-meat
products.
Section VIII: Trademarks, Brand Names and Intellectual Property Rights
Bangladesh is a signatory of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property; and the Agreement
on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks
(DPDT), Ministry of Commerce is the regulatory body that applies intellectual property laws and regulations in
Bangladesh. The laws and regulations of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) covers, Patents and Designs Act,
1911 (Act No. II of 1911) (link); Patents and Designs Act (Amended), 2003 (link) to regulate inventions by
patents, distinctive shapes by designs; Copyright Act, 2000 (Link); Trademarks Act, 2009 (Act No. XIX of 2009)
(link) and Trademark (Amended) Act, 2015 (link); and Trademark Rules, 2015 (link) to protect business names
and trademark logos and Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 2013 (link) to
protect different goods renowned for their mass production and extraordinary qualities.
Section IX: Import Procedures
There are several laws and orders in Bangladesh pertaining to the safety and standards of imported
food, including the Food Safety Act, 2013; Food Safety (Contaminants, Toxins and Harmful Residues)
Regulations, 2017; Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017; Food Sample Collection, Testing and
Analysis Regulations, 2017; Food safety (Food Hygiene) Regulation, 2018; Food Safety (Food Tactile)
Regulations, 2019; Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution Amendment Act, 2003; Import Policy
Order, 2015-18; Plant Quarantine Rules, 2018; and Bangladesh Animal and Animal Product Quarantine
Act, 2005. For any questions on these regulations and/or translation of the documents please reach
out to the USDA FAS Dhaka office at AgDhaka@usda.gov.
Table 1. Bangladesh Agencies involved in the customs clearing process for importing product through
Chittagong Seaport, Bangladesh.
Agencies Activities
Chittagong Port Authority Manages and operates the port in which the
shipment is off-loaded and stored
Clearing and Forwarding Agent Supports importers through collecting all the
necessary documents, does all necessary customs
clearances and releases products from port and
transports to private container depot
Chittagong Customs House, Bangladesh Customs Receives import tariff payments, verifies all
certificates, inspects product, and gives release
orders
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission,
Chittagong Office
Tests radiation level and gives release order if
cleared
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute,
Chittagong Office
Checks the standards of processed food and gives
release order if no objections found.
Plant Quarantine Office, Department of
Agricultural Extension
Checks the presence of insect, pest and disease
of agricultural products, checks the exporter’s
phyto-certificate (when needed) and gives
release order.
Commercial Bank Provides services to open and settle Letter of
Credit, and endorse all the documents submitted
to the customs for clearance and the paying
import tariff
English is widely used in every trade office. Most of the documents are prepared in English and provided by
local government offices, banks, and customs offices. Therefore, it is not necessary to translate documents into
Bengali but it could be helpful. In general, imported processed food product requires 3-4 weeks to clear
customs and release the container from port.
Customs Clearance Procedures for Import
Example Import procedure (customs and seaport clearance) in Bangladesh for processed food and other
agricultural products including livestock and fisheries products - Importer and exporter confirm the transaction by exchanging price quotation(s) and terms of the
contract. - Importer applies for an import permit from the appropriate ministry (Agriculture or Fisheries and
Livestock). (e.g., the import permit for plant-based agricultural product is issued by the Plant
Quarantine Wing, Dhaka Office; the import permit for fisheries or livestock product is issued by the
Department of Fisheries and Department of Livestock) - Exporter sends Pro-forma Invoice/Commercial invoice to the importer
- Importer opens Letter of Credit (L/C) in a local bank. For opening the L/C, the importer provides
the following documents to the bank (varies based on agreement with exporter and financial
institution):
a) Pro-forma Invoice (PI)/Buyer and Seller Agreement
b) Import Registration Certificate
c) Tax Identification Number (TIN) Certificate
d) Membership certificate of recognized chamber of commerce and industries or registered trade
association
e) Insurance cover note with money receipt
f) Value added tax (VAT) registration certificate - Importer’s bank sends L/C to exporter’s bank
- Exporter’s bank sends confirmation letter of L/C to the importer’s bank
- Exporter sends the shipment of documents to the importer’s bank
- Exporter’s bank sends a package of documents to the importer’s bank as per listed in L/C
(depending on product type and agreement)
a) Bill of exchange (invoice of the product)
b) Certificate of analysis (description of product)
c) Country of Origin Certificate issued by any trade association of the exporting country
d) Health Certificate i.e. (Fit for Human Consumption) for any kind of food
e) Radiation Certificate issued by competent laboratory of exporting country
f) Phyto-Certificate issued by agricultural department of the exporting country
g) Animal Health Certificate for live animals
h) Certificate of weight and quality condition
i) Packing list/container list
j) Insurance Certificate
k) Others may be needed also depending on the product type, such as Fumigation certificate,
Technical datasheet of Description of product - The bank releases the document package to the importer after receiving full payment of exporter’s
bills. - After the arrival of the shipment at seaport, the importer authorizes clearing and forwarding (C&F)
agent to complete all activities required for customs clearance and seaport release. - The shipping agent submits the Import General Manifest (IGM) (containing description of imported
goods by ship) online. - Customs checks the manifest online and approves the manifest, and enters information into the
ASYCUDA World system. - The C&F agent completes ‘noting’, which is entering all the required information to the ASYCUDA
World system to submit Bill of Entry (BE).
Documents submitted to the customs house:
a) Letter of power of attorney of the C&F agent issued by the importer
b) IMP form
c) Import permit
d) Bank endorsed Letter of Credit Authorization for customs copy
e) Bank endorsed Letter of Credit for customs copy
f) Bank endorsed invoice/PCI invoice
g) Bank endorsed packing list
h) Bank endorsed copy of CRF certificate of bank
i) Bank endorsed original copy of Bill of Lading
j) Insurance cover note and insurance policy document
k) Bill of exchange (invoice of the product)
l) Certificate of analysis (description of product)
m) Country of origin certificate issued by any trade association of the exporting country
n) Certificate of weight and quality condition
o) Packing list/container list
p) Others may be needed also depending on the product type:
Other types of special documents are submitted as per the product type
1) Data sheet duly signed by the C&F agent
2) Health certificate (Fit for Human Consumption) for any kind of food
3) Radiation certificate issued by competent laboratory of exporting country
4) Phyto certificate issued by agricultural department of the exporting country
5) Animal health certificate for live animal
6) Fumigation certificate
7) Conformity certification - The customs house reviews and approves the Bill of Entry (BE) and put a C number (Registration
number/noting) into the system. - The agent submits the printed copy of the BE to the product wise customs group or section
Assistant Revenue Officer (ARO), Customs House, Chattogram (CHC) for preliminary assessment. - The ARO section of the customs house assesses all the information, as per the BE and supporting
documents. The ARO takes the official approval of physical examinations, informs the customs
officer for tariff assessment. - The customs officer assesses the tariff of the product as per the BE and approves the tariff
assessment notice online. The officer sends the section and gives the tariff assessment report to
the C&F agent. - The C&F agent manages the containers to be ready for physical assessment at the port.
- With the help of the C&F agent, the examining inspector conducts physical examination, and the
C&F agent collects samples for in country testing and certification. - The C&F agent submits a sample to the respective laboratories of government agencies for
conducting laboratory testing and gives certificates to the agent and customs house.
The following certificates are generated in country (based on product type).
a) Radiation certificate from Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.
b) Quarantine certificate, fumigation certificate from plant quarantine office (for cotton and
where necessary).
c) Formalin test certificate from BSTI.
d) Bangladesh standard certificate from BSTI. - After assessing all the supporting certificates, the examining officer gives the approved physical
assessment notice/report. - The C&F agent pays the tariff to the authorized bank as per the tariff assessment notice.
- The bank gives a red mark in the ASYCUDA World system after receiving the tariff payment and
sends release order to the Treasury Speed Section. - After confirmation of tariff payment through the ASYCUDA World System, the treasury section gets
the receive number and writes on the bill of entry. With the taxed bill of entry and assessment
notice, the C&F agent gives deliver order to the One Stop Service section of Seaport authority. - The One Stop Section of seaport assesses IGM, prepares bill payable to the port authority, receives
bill payment, endorses bill and gives delivery order. Usually, it takes two days to deliver in a full
container load and one day for less than a container load.
Section X: Trade Facilitation
Trade barriers continue to be a significant obstacle to further increasing U.S. agricultural exports to Bangladesh.
Despite recent Government of Bangladesh (GoB) reforms to improve the business and trading climates,
Bangladesh’s overall implementation of modern trade supporting initiatives and adoption of regulations in-line
with international standards has been slow. Bangladesh ratified WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) on
the September 27, 2016. Bangladesh continues to have a limited World Trade Organization (WTO) notifications
record, has not submitted trade data to the WTO, and the National Enquiry Point for the Ministry of Commerce,
Customs, and the Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI) remain uncoordinated and disconnected.
FAS continues to encourage the GoB to modernize its export and import processes to position itself as a regional
market and take advantage of new opportunities presented in the post-COVID global trade environment. In
June, USDA announced it would allocate $25.8 million over five years to address barriers specific to agricultural
trade with Bangladesh through its Food for Progress Program (FFPr).
Figure: 1 Based on Bangladesh’s notification for its Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) implementation
commitments, 36.1 percent of its commitments have been implemented to date (Category A), 36.6 percent will
be implemented between June 2021 to December 2023 without capacity-building support (Category B), and
27.3 percent will be implemented subject to technical assistance being provided (Category C). Source: WTO-TFA
Database
In April 2017, the World Bank approved a $170 million project for Bangladesh to improve trade conditions by
improving connectivity, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and supporting the adoption of modern approaches to
border management and trade facilitation. A major element of this project is the establishment of Bangladesh’s
National Single Window and Customs Modernization plan, estimated to be completed in 2022. The system will
automate procedures for all trade-related declarations, licenses, and certificates and will integrate information
from relevant GoB entities into a single system. GoB trade agencies currently inspect agricultural imports and
exports using manual documentation processes, which increase the time and cost to clear goods at the ports of
entry. Agricultural traders must physically collect import certificates before the arrival of goods as a part of the
pre-arrival process; once consignments arrive, traders deliver them in person to Customs points. These
procedural obstacles add days if not weeks to the transit of goods and increase the likelihood of corruption by
local Customs officials.https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/d8files/knowledge-products/BGD-CBPT FINAL
report.pdf%22
Advance Ruling System (ARU)
Bangladesh National Board of Revenue (NBR) implemented the Advance Ruling System (ARU) since June 2016
regulated by the Customs Ruling (advance) Rules, 2016. The system works only on classified goods (link) and
enables traders to apply for a ruling that specifies the H.S Code for a specific goods or item. The ruling system
supports importers and exporters to ensure the goods are evaluated according to regulation by the customs
department. To avail the system, importers must submit several documents (link). So far, 17 rulings have been
issued and posted on the website of the NBR, but in most cases requested H.S. codes are accepted for a certain
period (i.e 18 months). There is no judicial review and appeal system in this ARU.
Fees at port
The Chattogram Sea Port is the largest seaport in Bangladesh with maximum permissible draft of vessel ranges
from 8.50m to 9.50m and ships with maximum length 170 meter can berth. According to the liner shipping
connectivity index 2019, Chattogram port is ranked 90
th of 178. Chattogram port authority published its 2008
tariff chart for commodity and shipping (Link). The port charge for full container loads (FCL) loading and
offloading is US$43.40 (less than 21 feet) and US$65.10 (higher than 21 feet) and LCL (less than container load)
container US$130 (less than 21 feet) and US$195 (higher than 21 feet). The storage charges for loaded 21 feet
container is US$12 for within 7 days after the free period and 41 feet container is US$18 within 7 days after the
free period (4-5 days). The port processing time is approximately 3 days for all ships and 5.77 days dry bulk
carriers. The processing time at Chattogram is approximately 3 times higher than most developed ports, which
average around one day.
Common Delays
The most common delay is the result of product quality and standard testing certificates. Customs officials also
spend a considerable amount of time examining import permits for fraudulent permits.
Congestion at the port also leads to processing delays. The Port of Chittagong, which handles 92 percent of
trade for Bangladesh, is overcrowded and operating at capacity. The Port Authority is hopeful current expansion
plans will alleviate congestion and help reduce processing times in the future. For more information on port
expansion plans, please contact FAS Dhaka.
Electronic Certificate or filing
The Chattogram Customs House (CHC) introduced a computerized customs management system, the
automated system for customs data (ASYCUDAWorld), developed by the United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at four inland ports, the National Board of Revenue’s headquarters,
and Customs House of Chattogram. However, only one of its six modules was activated, and the
system currently permits only 50 percent of importers to clear cargo within 24 hours. The overall
implementation of paperless trade and cross-border paperless trade remains below the other ports in
the Asia-Pacific region. Chattogram Port is also in transition from paper-based terminal management
to modern electronic terminal operations and document processing, but there is no definite date to
reach the goal.
Duplicative inspections
Duplicative inspection is very common problem in three types of border ports of Bangladesh. Lack of
coordination and regulation among the border management agencies leads to multiple inspection and
sample collection which delays the customs and port clearance process. In the trading process, several
border and regulatory agencies are involved (e.g., Customs, Immigration, Chief Controller of Import
and Export, Plant Quarantine, Land Port/Sea Port/Civil Aviation Authority, Border Guard, Bangladesh
Standard and Testing Institute, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Drug Administration,
Bangladesh Bank, Commercial Banks, Department of Livestock, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh
Food Safety Authority, and Trade Association).
Figure 1: Bangladesh: Flowchart of customs clearance procedure
Exporter
(Sends documents to the
importer through bank)
Importer
(Authorises a C&F agent and
gives importer’s and
exporter’s docs to agent)
Bank
(Takes bill payment, endorses
exporter’s docs and hand
over to importer)
Shipping Agent
(Submits IGM information
online get approval of the
manifest )
Agent
(Submits Bill of Entry
online to the customs
office)
Customs House
(Verifies the bill of entry and gives
priliminary clearance C (registration
number) and gives permission for
physical assessment and tariff
assessment)
Customs House
(Assesses the tariff to be paid
to the bank)
Jetty Comissioner
(Gives access to do physical
examination and collects
sample for laboratory testing)
Agent
(Requests for testing to
approved laboratories and
take clearance certificates
and submit to the customs)
Agent
(Pays tariff to the bank,
inform to the customs and
gets release order from the
customs)
Agent
(Takes customs release order
and go the port for final
clearance)
Port Authority
(Assesses the port bill and
receives the bill paid by the
agent)
Port Authority
(After receiving the bill, port
gives container releases
order)
Appendix I: Government Regulatory Key Agency Contacts
Agency Major Activities and Related Rules/Regulation/Act
Secretary
Ministry of Commerce
Building#3, Bangladesh secretariat, Dhaka
E-mail: secy@mincom.gov.bd
Phone (Office): +88-02-9545006
Phone (Res): +88-02-9137475
Fax: +88-02-9545741
Website: https://mincom.gov.bd/
Publishing import and export policy order
Import Policy Order, 2015-18 (English) is available here.
Director General
WTO Cell
Ministry of Commerce
E-mail: dg.wto@mincom.gov.bd
Phone (Office): +88 02 9545383
Fax: +88 02 9540213
WTO Enquiry Point / Notification Authority
SPS-TBT Enquiry Points, click here
Director,
Plant Quarantine Wing (PQW),
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE),
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA),
Khamarbari, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh;
Tel: +88-02-9131296;
Email: dpqw@dae.gov.bd
Issuing Import Permit and Phytosanitary Certificate
Plant Quarantine Rules, 2018 (Bengali, Partly English)
Available here.
Agency Major Activities and Related Rules/Regulation/Act
Website: https://goo.gl/3PQJct
Import permit and online phyto issue and check, click
here
SPS-TBT Enquiry Points, Available here
Note: There is no National Plant Protection Organization
(NPPO)
Director,
Plant Protection Wing
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE),
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA),
Khamarbari, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Tel: +88-02-9131295
Mail: dppw@dae.gov.bd
Approving pesticide registration
The Pesticide Rules, 1985 (Amendment) 2010 (Bengali)
The Pesticide Act, 2018 (Bengali)
The Pesticide Ordinance, 2007 (Bengali)
The Pesticide Rules 2019 (Draft)
Available here.
Animal Quarantine and Livestock product
Director General and Chief Veterinary Officer
Department of Livestock Services (DLS)
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock
Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Mail: dgdls16@gmail.com,
Office: +88-02-9101932 Fax: +88-02-9110326
Issuing import permit of live animal and animal feed
related products
Animal Feed Act, 2010 (Bengali)
Animal Disease Rules, 2008 (Bengali)
Animal Disease Act, 2005 (Bengali)
Bangladesh Animal and Animal Product Quarantine Act,
2005 (Bengali)
Available here
Agency Major Activities and Related Rules/Regulation/Act
Assistant Director (Training)
Department of Livestock and Services
Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Office: +88 02 9115936
Website: http://www.dls.gov.bd/
Chairman and Additional Secretary
Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA)
Police Convention Center, Ramanar Thana,
Probasi Kollan Bhaban, 71-72, Iskaton Garden,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Phone: +88-02-55138000 (Office Desk),
+88-02-55138603
Mail: chairman@bfsa.gov.bd
Website: http://www.bfsa.gov.bd/
Coordinating issues of food safety and quality with all
government agencies
The Food Safety Act, 2013 (Bengali)
The Food Safety Act, 2013 (English)
Food Safety (Food processing and administration
system) Rules, 2014 (Bengali)
Food Safety (Contaminants, Toxins and Harmful
Residues) Regulations, 2017 (Bengali)
Packaged Food Labeling Regulations, 2017 (Bengali)
Use of Food Additives Regulations, 2017 (Bengali)
Food Sample collection, testing and analysis Regulations,
2017 (Bengali)
Food Safety (Food Hygiene) Regulations, 2018 (Bengali)
Food Safety (Food Tactile) Regulations, 2019 (Bengali)
Available here.
Director General
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute
Ministry of Industry
Maan Bhaban, 116-A, Tejgaon Industrial Area,
Certifying of standard and quality, Inspection, and
Standardization and represent local Codex office
List of mandatory products under import policy,
available here
Agency Major Activities and Related Rules/Regulation/Act
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-8870275
E-Mail: bsti@bangla.net
FAX: +880-2-9131581
Website: http://www.bsti.gov.bd/
The Standards of Weights and Measures Ordinance,
1982 Ordinance No. xii of 1982-English Version,
available here
The Bangladesh Standards of Weights and Measures
(Packaging & Commodities) Rules, 2007 (Bengali) (Link)
Vitamin A Fortification in Edible Oils Act, (2013)
Chairman
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC)
Ministry of Science and Technology
E-12/A, Agargaon, Shere-e-bvangla Nagar, Dhaka1207
Phone: +88-02-8181806,
Mail: chairman@baec.gov.bd
Website: http://baec.gov.bd/
Testing and certifying the present radiation level in food
and agricultural products
Import Policy Order, 2015-18
Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Rules 1997, SRO
No. 205 (English)
Director
Atomic Energy Centre, Chittagong
and Principal Scientific Officer
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC)
Office: 1018/A Bayezid Bostami Road, East
Nasirabad
Testing and certifying the present radiation level in food
and agricultural product
Import Policy Order, 2015-18
Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Rules 1997, SRO
No. 205 (English)
Agency Major Activities and Related Rules/Regulation/Act
Chittagong-4209, Bangladesh
Tel: +880-31-25 84 895,
Website: http://baecbd.org/baec/rtml/rtml.php
Director General
Department of Environment
Ministry of Environment and Forests
E/16, Paribesh Bhavan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
Tel: +88028181800
Mail: dg@doe.gov.bd
http://www.doe.gov.bd/
Approving GMO for research, production, import and
export
Biosafety Rules, 2012
(see Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN)
Report Link)
Biosafety Guideline, 2007
(See GAIN Report Link)
Commissioner
Customs House, Chittagong
National Board of Revenue,
Ministry of Finance
Phone: +88-031-723100-02, 723106
Fax: +88-031-713988, 725331
Port Colony rd. Chittagong
Mail: Customshousechittagong@gmail.com
Website: http://chc.gov.bd/
All about trading and customs clearance
http://www.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/
Customs clearance
Customs Act, 2014, available here.
Customs rules, available here.
Customs statutory regulatory order (SROs), available
here and here.
Import and Export policy orders, available here.
Agency Major Activities and Related Rules/Regulation/Act
Director General
Directorate of National Consumers Right
Protection (DNCRP),
Ministry of Commerce (MoC)
Mail: dg@dncrp.gov.bd
Phone: +88-02-8189426
Raising consumer awareness and protect consumer
rights
Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, is available
here.
Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts of
Bangladesh.
Contact with:
Public Relation Officer
Ministry of Public Administration (MoPA)
Mail: prosec@mopa.gov.bd
Controlling formalin use in food
Formalin Control Act, 2015 is available here
Note: Accessibility of the links may vary depending on the security firewall.
Appendix II: Other Import Specialist Contacts
Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agent Association
http://cnfctg.net/
Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association
https://www.baffa-bd.org/
Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association
http://bffia.com.bd/
The American Chamber of Commerce
http://www.amchambd.org/
Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries,
http://www.fbcci-bd.org/contactnew.php
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries
http://www.dhakachamber.com/
Bangladesh International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
https://iccbangladesh.org.bd/
Bangladesh Trade Portal
https://www.bangladeshtradeportal.gov.bd/
Chittagong Port Authority
http://www.cpa.gov.bd/
Berthing Schedule
http://www.cpa.gov.bd/site/view/commondoc/Berthing%20Schedule/
Mongla Port Authority
http://www.mpa.gov.bd/
Bangladesh Customs
http://www.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/
National Board of Revenue
http://nbr.gov.bd/
Customs House Dhaka, National Board of Revenue
http://www.dch.gov.bd/
Customs House, Chattogram, National Board of Revenue
https://www.chc.gov.bd/
Chittagong Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association
http://cnfctg.net/
Table 2: Bangladesh: Food & agricultural products standards brought under mandatory certification before
customs clearance
Food product Standard No.
Biscuit BDS 383:2001
Black Tea Definition & Basic requirements BDS ISO 3720:2008
Carbonated Beverages BDS 1123:2013
Chips/Crackers BDS 1556:1997, Amend1:2004
Edible Sunflower Oil BDS CAC 23: 2002
Fruit and Vegetable Juices BDS 513:2013,
Fruit Cordial BDS 508:2006
Fruit Cordial BDS 508:2006
Honey BDS CAC 12:2007
Infant formula and formulas for special medical
purposes intended for Infants
BDS CAC-72: 2008
Instant Noodles BDS 1552:2007
Jams (Fruit Preserves) and Jelly BDS CAC 79:2008
Lozenges BDS 490:2001, Amend 1:2007
Milk Powders and Cream Powder BDS CAC 207: 2008, Amend 1: 2009
Processed cereal based foods for infants and
young children
BDS CAC 074: 2007
Sauce (Fruit & Vegetable) BDS 512:2007
Soft Drink Powder BDS 1586:2007
Soybean Oil BDS 909:1979, Amend 1:2000
Sugar BDS CAC 212:2006
Toffees BDS 1000:2001
Tomato Ketchup BDS 530:2002
Source: Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute, Ministry of Industry,
Weblink: Here
Note: Bangladesh Standard Catalog 2018, available here
Table 3. EXAMPLE: Required documents for importing cotton, dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) and
nuts
Cotton Dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS)
- Proforma Invoice: issued by the exporter before
opening the LC
Phyto-Certificate (Exporter) - LC copy Radiation certificate (Exporter)
- Import Permit issued by Department of Livestock
Service, Bangladesh
Chemical analysis certificate (Importer) - LCAF (Letter of Credit Authorization Form): issued
by bank
Country of origin (Exporter) - Commercial Invoice: issued by the exporter Fumigation certificate (Exporter)
- Packing List: issued by the exporter Health Certificate (Exporter) (Optional)
- Bill of Lading: issued by Shipping company Chemic