Export from Bangladesh

How to export from Bangladesh

Exporting from Bangladesh needs a few registrations, an export order from a foreign buyer, and customs clearance at the port of shipment. Most exports carry no export duty, but every shipment must be declared to customs and linked to your bank, so that the export proceeds come back to Bangladesh.

Registrations you need first

• Trade licence from your city corporation or local authority
• e-TIN and BIN (VAT registration) from NBR
• ERC (Export Registration Certificate), renewed every year
• Membership of a chamber or trade body. Garment exporters typically join BGMEA or BKMEA.
• A bank account with an authorised dealer bank that handles export LCs

Step by step

1. Find a buyerAgree price, quantity, Incoterms and payment terms (export LC or contract).
2. Receive the export LCThe buyer's bank opens the LC, and your bank advises it.
3. Produce and inspectMake the goods, then pass any buyer or third-party inspection.
4. EXP form from your bankThis links the shipment to the export proceeds.
5. Shipping bill in ASYCUDA WorldYour C&F agent declares the goods to customs.
6. Customs check and stuffingExamination if selected, then the container is loaded and sealed.
7. ShipmentGoods are loaded at Chattogram port or Dhaka airport, and you receive the B/L or AWB.
8. Bank negotiationPresent the documents to your bank and get paid under the LC.

Top export products from Bangladesh

Ready-made garments make up the large majority of Bangladesh's exports, but a growing range of other products now reach buyers worldwide. Click an HS chapter to see every product code in it.

The HS code matters for exports too: it decides the duty your buyer pays at destination and whether a preferential rate applies. See how to find the right HS code.

Export incentives and facilities

• Cash incentives: Bangladesh Bank pays cash incentives on the export value of selected products, such as non-traditional textiles, leather goods, jute goods, agro-processed food and new products or new markets. Rates and eligible products are set by Bangladesh Bank circulars each fiscal year, so check the current circular with your bank.
• Bonded warehouse: export-oriented factories can import raw materials and accessories duty-free against export orders, under a bond licence from customs.
• Back-to-back LC: exporters can open import LCs for raw materials against their export LC, reducing the need for upfront capital.
• Duty drawback: exporters who paid duty on imported inputs can claim it back on exported goods, under the duty drawback rules.
• EPZs and Economic Zones: factories in BEPZA and BEZA zones get duty-free machinery and raw materials, along with other facilities.
• Market access: as a least developed country, Bangladesh has enjoyed duty-free access to many markets, including the EU under "Everything But Arms" and other GSP schemes. Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status will change some of these preferences over a transition period, so check the current rules for your market.

Incentive rates and conditions change with each budget and Bangladesh Bank circular. Confirm the details with your bank before you price an order.

Foreign buyer database

Finding buyers is the hardest part of exporting. Through our sister company Red Rooks Apparel, we have built a database of foreign importers, brands and wholesalers, mostly in apparel and textiles. We don't publish contact details on this website. Tell us what you export and which markets you want, and we'll send you a matching buyer list.

Buyer categories

Top buyer countries

Contacts are business contact details compiled from public business sources. A typical record includes the company name, email, and often a phone or WhatsApp number, country and website. Contacts are not verified buyers of your product: use them for introductions, and always qualify buyers before shipping.

Are you a buyer listed in our database and want your details removed? Email info@cnfagentbd.com and we'll remove them.

Our export services

Talk to our export team