Introduction
Import and export business is the backbone of modern international trade. No country can survive or grow economically without importing essential goods and exporting its products to global markets. Bangladesh, as a developing and export-oriented economy, relies heavily on a well-structured import–export system.
However, import–export business is not only about buying and selling goods internationally. It is a highly regulated legal activity, controlled by multiple government authorities, banking regulations, customs rules, and foreign exchange laws.
Many entrepreneurs fail not because they lack capital or buyers, but because they do not understand Bangladesh government import–export rules properly.
This complete guide—developed with professional insight from Eagle IRC ERC International—explains how import and export business works together, what government rules apply, and how to run a 100% legal, compliant, and profitable import–export business in Bangladesh.
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2. Overview of Import–Export Business in Bangladesh
Import–export business means:
• Import: Bringing goods, machinery, raw materials, or services into Bangladesh from foreign countries
• Export: Sending Bangladeshi goods or services to foreign buyers
Both activities are interconnected. Most exporters depend on imports (raw materials, machinery), and many importers depend on exports to balance foreign currency flow.
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3. Importance of Import & Export for Bangladesh Economy
3.1 Role of Export
• Earns foreign currency
• Strengthens foreign reserves
• Creates employment
• Increases industrial production
3.2 Role of Import
• Supplies raw materials
• Supports manufacturing industries
• Enables infrastructure development
• Ensures availability of essential goods
Balanced import–export activity is crucial for economic stability.
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4. Government Authorities Regulating Import–Export
Import–export business in Bangladesh is regulated by several government bodies:
Key Authorities
• Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E)
• National Board of Revenue (NBR)
• Bangladesh Bank
• Customs Department
• Ministry of Commerce
Each authority controls specific aspects of import–export compliance.
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5. Bangladesh Import–Export Legal Framework
The legal foundation of import–export business includes:
• Import & Export Control Act
• Import Policy Order
• Export Policy Order
• Customs Act
• Foreign Exchange Regulation Act
Failure to comply with these laws can result in:
• License cancellation
• Heavy penalties
• Goods seizure
• Business blacklisting
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6. Export Business Rules in Bangladesh
Who Can Export?
• Individual entrepreneurs
• Partnership firms
• Private limited companies
• Manufacturing units
Mandatory Requirements
• Export Registration Certificate (ERC)
• Trade License
• TIN Certificate
• VAT Registration
• Bank Account
Export Restrictions
Some products require special permission or are restricted under Export Policy Order.
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7. Import Business Rules in Bangladesh
Who Can Import?
• Commercial traders
• Industrial manufacturers
• Government & semi-government entities
Mandatory Requirements
• Import Registration Certificate (IRC)
• Valid trade license
• Bank solvency
• Compliance with Import Policy Order
Certain goods are restricted or banned and require prior approval.
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8. Export Registration Certificate (ERC) – Government Rules
What Is ERC?
ERC is a government-issued license that legally authorizes export activities.
ERC Categories
• Commercial Exporter
• Industrial Exporter
Government Rules for ERC
• Issued by CCI&E
• Annual renewal mandatory
• Must comply with export policy
• Misuse can lead to cancellation
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9. Import Registration Certificate (IRC) – Government Rules
What Is IRC?
IRC allows a business to import goods legally.
Types of IRC
• Commercial IRC
• Industrial IRC
Government Rules for IRC
• Annual renewal required
• Import must match IRC category
• Over-import or misuse is punishable
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10. Trade License, TIN, VAT & Tax Compliance
Trade License
Issued by local government authority and must reflect correct business nature.
TIN Certificate
Mandatory for tax identification.
VAT Registration
Required for most import–export businesses.
Improper tax compliance can cause:
• Audit problems
• Bank issues
• Customs delays
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11. Step-by-Step Guide to Start Import–Export Business
Step 1: Business Setup
• Trade license
• TIN & VAT
• Bank account
Step 2: Product Selection
Choose importable/exportable goods allowed by policy.
Step 3: Market Research
• Import source countries
• Export destination markets
Step 4: IRC & ERC Registration
Handled professionally by Eagle IRC ERC International.
Step 5: Banking & LC Setup
Open import/export LC with authorized bank.
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12. Export Documentation Rules (Bangladesh Government)
Mandatory export documents include:
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Certificate of Origin
• EXP Form
Documents must exactly match LC and customs declarations.
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13. Import Documentation Rules (Bangladesh Government)
Mandatory import documents include:
• Proforma Invoice
• Letter of Credit
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Insurance Certificate
Any mismatch may cause customs objection.
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14. Banking Rules & Bangladesh Bank Compliance
Bangladesh Bank regulates:
• LC opening
• Foreign currency transactions
• Export proceeds realization
• IMP & EXP reporting
Non-compliance can freeze accounts or block trade.
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15. Customs Rules, HS Code & Duty Structure
HS Code Importance
HS code determines:
• Import duty
• VAT
• Regulatory restrictions
Wrong HS code leads to:
• Overpayment
• Penalties
• Shipment delay
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16. Export Incentives & Government Facilities
Government supports exporters through:
• Cash incentives
• Tax rebates
• Reduced duties
• Special banking facilities
Proper documentation is required to claim incentives.
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17. Import Duties, Taxes & Regulatory Charges
Importers must pay:
• Customs duty
• VAT
• Advance income tax
• Regulatory duty
Cost planning is critical for profitability.
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18. Common Legal & Compliance Mistakes
• Operating without valid IRC/ ERC
• Missing renewals
• Incorrect HS code
• Poor documentation
• Ignoring Bangladesh Bank rules
These mistakes often destroy businesses.
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19. Role of Import–Export Consultancy
A professional consultancy:
• Ensures legal compliance
• Saves time & money
• Reduces risk
• Provides strategic guidance
Eagle IRC ERC International acts as a long-term trade partner.
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20. Why Choose Eagle IRC ERC International
Our Strength
• Specialized in IRC & ERC
• Deep knowledge of government rules
• Transparent & legal process
• Beginner-friendly support
• End-to-end import–export guidance
We don’t just process licenses—we build compliant global traders.
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21. Future of Import–Export Business in Bangladesh
With:
• Digital customs
• Automated banking
• Growing global demand
Bangladesh’s import–export sector will expand rapidly. Businesses that follow government rules from the beginning will dominate future markets.
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22. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can one business do both import and export?
Yes, with valid IRC & ERC.
Q2: Are government rules strict?
Yes, but manageable with proper guidance.
Q3: Is consultancy necessary?
Highly recommended for long-term success.
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23. Final Conclusion & Call to Action
Import–export business in Bangladesh offers huge opportunities—but only for those who operate legally, compliantly, and strategically.
Government rules are not obstacles; they are protective frameworks that ensure sustainable trade.
With expert guidance from Eagle IRC ERC International, you can confidently build a compliant, profitable, and future-ready import–export business.
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🚀 Start Your Import–Export Journey Today
📞 Contact Eagle IRC ERC International
🌍 Professional Import–Export Consultancy in Bangladesh
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