Customs Clearance Process at Chattogram Port: Step by Step

Chattogram port handles the large majority of Bangladesh's sea-borne imports. For a first-time importer, the clearance process can look like a black box: the ship arrives, and some days later the goods either come out or don't. This guide explains what actually happens between the vessel berthing and your container leaving the port gate, and where the usual delays come from.

Before the vessel arrives

1. Documents reach the importer

The supplier presents the shipping documents to their bank under the LC, and they arrive at your bank in Bangladesh. You pay or accept the bill, and the bank endorses the original bill of lading in your favour. Without the endorsed bill of lading, the shipping line will not release the goods.

2. Classification and duty check

A good C&F agent checks the HS code and expected duty before the ship arrives, using the invoice and product details. This is the moment to catch a code mismatch with the LCA or a missing product certificate, while there is still time to fix it. You can do a first check yourself in the HS code directory and the import duty calculator.

3. The manifest is filed

The shipping agent submits the Import General Manifest (IGM) to customs, listing every consignment on the vessel. Your bill of entry is linked to your line on the manifest, so the details must match.

At the port

4. Bill of entry submission

Your C&F agent lodges the bill of entry in ASYCUDA World, the customs IT system. It includes the importer's BIN, the HS code, the description, the quantity, the declared value and the self-assessed duty. Copies of the invoice, packing list, bill of lading, LCA, insurance documents and any certificates are submitted with it.

5. Assessment

The bill of entry goes to an assessment group at the Chittagong Custom House. Customs checks the HS code and the value against its own records. Depending on risk, the consignment is routed to one of several lanes:

• release with documentary checks only;
• physical examination of the goods;
• in some cases, laboratory testing or referral to another authority.

6. Physical examination

If examination is required, the container is opened in the port yard in front of a customs officer and your C&F agent's representative. The officer checks that the description, quantity, weight and, where relevant, brand and model match the declaration. Some goods are sampled for testing, for example by BSTI or a government laboratory.

This is where most disputes appear. If the goods do not match the documents, or customs believes the HS code or value is wrong, the bill of entry is re-assessed, and a penalty may be added.

7. Duty payment

Once the assessment is final, the duty and taxes are paid through the designated bank or electronic payment. The payment is recorded against the bill of entry in ASYCUDA World.

8. Shipping line and port charges

Separately from customs, the C&F agent pays:

• the shipping line's charges to obtain the delivery order;
• the port authority's handling, lift-on/lift-off and storage charges.

Port storage charges increase after the free time ends, and shipping lines charge container detention if their containers are not returned on time. These two are the main reasons a slow clearance becomes an expensive one.

9. Release and delivery

When customs issues the release order and the port bills are paid, the goods can leave. Full containers can be delivered from the port or from an off-dock container depot, depending on where the container was sent. The truck or covered van passes the gate checks, and the goods travel to your warehouse.

How long does it take?

A straightforward shipment with correct documents and no examination can clear in a few working days after the vessel discharges. Physical examination, laboratory testing, a valuation dispute or a missing certificate can each add several days or more. In our experience, most long delays come from problems that could have been found before the ship arrived.

How to speed things up

• Send documents to your C&F agent early, even as scans, so the HS code and value can be checked before arrival.
• Use consistent descriptions across the LC, invoice, packing list and bill of lading.
• Arrange product certificates before shipment, not after the goods land.
• Chase the original documents through your bank so that the endorsed bill of lading is ready when the ship arrives.
• Keep funds ready for duty and port charges, because waiting for money is a delay like any other.
• Keep product evidence (catalogues, specifications, photos) to support the declared classification and value.

Need a hand?

Our team handles customs clearance at Chattogram port and Dhaka airport, from the pre-arrival HS code check to delivery at your door. Send us your documents and we'll confirm the duty and the clearance plan before your vessel arrives. You can also read our checklist of documents required for import clearance.