🇧🇩 Import Customs & Duties: Bangladesh
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty + supplementary duty. Essential goods (rice, wheat, medicines) exempt.
Clearance Time
5-15 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 10-25% (smartphones 10%, laptops 10%, TVs 25%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 25% + 20% supplementary duty on finished garments | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 25% + supplementary duty (finished shoes 25%+20% SD) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-25% (rice 25%, wheat 5%, sugar 30%, spices 25%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% (industrial machinery 5%, agricultural 0%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 25-45% (perfumes 25%+20% SD, skincare 25%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% (educational), 5% (other printed matter) | HS 49 |
| Toys | 10-25% (basic toys 10%, electronic toys 25%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
NBR (National Board of Revenue) manages customs via ASYCUDA World system. Chittagong (Chattogram) port handles 90%+ of all trade. Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal airport for air cargo. Four tariff bands: 0%, 5%, 10%, 25% plus supplementary duty (SD) 0-45%, regulatory duty (RD) 0-5%, and advance income tax (AIT) 5%. Bond facility available for export-oriented manufacturing.
What to Actually Expect
Can be challenging. Chittagong port congestion is common with clearance averaging 5-15 days. Informal facilitation fees reported at various stages. Complete documentation is essential, missing papers cause major delays. Use registered C&F (clearing and forwarding) agents. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx) provide the most reliable service but are expensive.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import Registration Certificate (IRC) mandatory for commercial imports from CCI&E (Chief Controller of Imports and Exports). Restricted items: certain textiles (to protect local garment industry), used clothing, hazardous chemicals, alcohol. Pharmaceuticals need DGDA (Directorate General of Drug Administration) approval.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry). BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) for garment exporters. SAFTA preferential certificates for South Asian trade. LDC duty-free access to EU, Canada, Australia, and other developed markets.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Bangladesh:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $13 | $9 | $22 |
| $100 | $25 | $19 | $44 |
| $200 | $50 | $38 | $88 |
| $500 | $125 | $94 | $219 |
| $1000 | $250 | $188 | $438 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Bangladesh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Bangladesh?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Bangladesh is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty + supplementary duty. Essential goods (rice, wheat, medicines) exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in Bangladesh?
Typical customs clearance in Bangladesh takes 5-15 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Bangladesh?
To import into Bangladesh, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Bangladesh?
Bangladesh prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.