Bangladesh Customs & VAT

What Bangladesh Customs & VAT does

Bangladesh Customs is the customs wing of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), operating under the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Bangladesh. As a statutory regulatory authority established alongside the country's independence in 1971, it holds exclusive legal responsibility for customs enforcement, duty and tax collection at the import stage, trade facilitation, prevention of smuggling, interdiction of prohibited goods, narcotics control, and anti-money laundering at Bangladesh's borders. Its primary customers are importers, exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, and C&F agents requiring customs clearance, with secondary service to diplomatic missions, travelers, and 100% export-oriented industries operating bonded warehouses in Export Processing Zones and Economic Zones.

The agency operates an integrated digital technology stack anchored by ASYCUDA World, the UNCTAD-developed automated customs declaration processing system, and the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), which became mandatory in January 2025 for 7 government border agencies (DOE, DGDA, EPB, DOEX, BNACWC, BEZA, BEPZA). Supporting platforms include the National Enquiry Point for public information access, the Customs e-Auction platform for disposal of confiscated goods, a Duty Calculator, an Advance Ruling system for binding HS code classification (operational since 2016), and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) trusted trader program launched in 2019 with 15 certified firms as of the latest data. Service delivery is distributed across 6 Custom Houses (Chittagong, Dhaka, Mongla, ICD Kamalapur, Benapole, Pangaon), 3 Bond Commissionerates, 181 Land Customs Stations on the India and Myanmar borders, and specialized directorates for intelligence and investigation, valuation, and audit.

Bangladesh Customs does not generate revenue from service fees; instead, it collects customs duties, VAT, supplementary duty, advance income tax, advance trade VAT, regulatory duty, and excise duty on behalf of the national treasury. The agency's mandate is universal across all cross-border trade, making it effectively a monopoly provider with no commercial competitors. Strategic modernization is evidenced by the 2024 AEO Rule revision, the 2025 AEO SOP, and the BSW mandate, indicating an active program to digitize and integrate trade facilitation. Leadership oversight is provided by four NBR Members covering policy, export/bond/IT, audit/modernization, and administration, with political direction exercised by the Finance Minister (currently Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, in office since February 2026) and the NBR Chairman (Ahsan Habib, Acting Chairman since June 2026).

Name

Bangladesh Customs & VAT

Legal name

Bangladesh Customs, National Board of Revenue (NBR)

Website

https://bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bangladesh Customs is the customs wing of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), responsible for duty collection, trade facilitation, and border enforcement. It serves all importers, exporters, freight forwarders, diplomatic missions, and travelers through ASYCUDA World, the Bangladesh Single Window, and a network of 6 Custom Houses and 181 Land Customs Stations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Customs and Trade Facilitation Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Interagency/International Information Exchange & Cooperation (BPAIADAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Import Customs Clearance (Entry Filing & Release) (TLACAFAA), Export Customs Clearance (Export Declarations & AES/EEI) (TLACAFAB), Customs & Regulatory Filing Documentation (Entry/Exit Summaries, Declarations, ENS/AMS/ACI) (TLACAHAE), Sanctions, Embargo & Export Controls (EAR/ITAR) Compliance Tools (TLAEAOAI)

Keywords

• Customs clearance services
• Trade facilitation
• Tariff and duty collection
• Border enforcement
• Export processing zones

Headquarters

HQ city

Dhaka

HQ country

Bangladesh

HQ region

Asia

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Bangladesh Customs operates as the customs wing of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) under the Government of Bangladesh, providing customs clearance, tariff and duty collection, trade facilitation, and border enforcement services. The agency processes import and export declarations through the ASYCUDA World platform, operates the Bangladesh Single Window for integrated trade documentation, and runs specialized programs including the Authorized Economic Operator trusted trader program, Advance Ruling System, Bonded Warehousing facilities, and Duty Drawback services for exporters.

Product overview

Bangladesh Customs & VAT operates as the customs wing of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), responsible for customs duty collection, trade facilitation, and border enforcement. The offering consists of a portfolio of interconnected digital platforms and services: the core ASYCUDA World automation system for customs declaration processing; Bangladesh Single Window for integrated government border agency clearance; National Enquiry Point (NEP) for public access to trade information; Customs e-Auction for disposal of confiscated goods; Duty Calculator for tariff computation; Advance Ruling System for HS code binding decisions; AEO Program for trusted trader facilitation; and Bonded Warehousing and Duty Drawback services for export incentive management. The platform also includes a Customs Intelligence Hotline for reporting smuggling activity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ASYCUDA World Automated System for Customs Data for electronic processing of customs declarations, import/export clearance, duty calculation, and trade facilitation management for importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and C&F agents.
• Bangladesh Single Window (BSW) Electronic single window platform enabling traders to submit standardized customs documentation and trade information to multiple government border agencies through a single entry point.
• National Enquiry Point (NEP) Internet-based enquiry system providing always-available public access to customs and trade-related information, with capability to submit direct enquiries to customs officers for personalized responses.
• Customs e-Auction Online auction platform for the sale of uncleared, seized, or confiscated goods by customs authorities.
• Duty Calculator Online tool enabling traders to calculate customs duties, taxes, and applicable fees for imported and exported goods based on HS codes.
• Advance Ruling System System enabling traders to apply for binding rulings on classification (HS code) of goods before importation, providing certainty on tariff treatment nationwide.
• Customs Intelligence Hotline Hotline service (0248321100) and online form for reporting information regarding smuggling of goods. Rewards available for tipsters with option for anonymity.
• Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program Strategic partnership program between Bangladesh Customs and trusted businesses providing expedited customs clearance and trade benefits based on WCO SAFE Framework standards.
• Bonded Warehousing Facility Facility allowing export-oriented industries to import inputs and raw materials without paying customs duties, enhancing export competitiveness through deferred duty payment and compliance oversight.
• Duty Drawback Service Refund system for duties and taxes paid on inputs used in manufacture of exported goods and services, managed by the Duty Exemption and Drawback Office (DEDO).

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• World Customs Organization (WCO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBangladesh Customs operates under the WCO framework, implementing the SAFE Framework of Standards for secure and facilitating global trade. The AEO program is based on WCO guidelines and aligns with WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Article 7.7.
• ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data)coreTechnology or IntegrationInternational customs management system developed for automating customs procedures, used by Bangladesh Customs for processing declarations, tariff management, and trade data.
• Bangladesh BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral bank of Bangladesh, partner for foreign exchange regulations, cash incentive disbursements for exporters, and customs duty/tax coordination.
• Bangladesh Trade PortalcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegrated trade information portal providing single window access to trade-related information from multiple government agencies.
• Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegulatory authority for export processing zones, issues permits and certificates that interface with Bangladesh Single Window for customs clearance of EPZ enterprises.
• Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC)minorOthersRegulatory body for energy sector, related to customs procedures for import of energy-related equipment and materials.
• Bangladesh Atomic Energy CommissioncoreOthersConducts radiation testing of imported food items, pharmaceuticals, and other goods to ensure compliance with safety standards before customs clearance.
• Export Promotion Bureau (EPB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency promoting exports, issues certificates of origin and export documents that integrate with Bangladesh Single Window system.
• Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA)coreOthersRegulatory authority for pharmaceuticals, issues import permits for drugs that are processed through Bangladesh Single Window for customs clearance.
• Department of Environment (DOE)coreOthersEnvironmental regulatory body, issues certificates for imported materials that require environmental clearance, integrated with Bangladesh Single Window.
• Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary investment promotion agency, coordinates with customs for investment-related imports and trade facilitation for investors.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Singapore Customs: Singapore's national customs authority operating TradeNet (one of the world's first Single Windows) and a globally recognized STP (Secure Trade Partnership) AEO program. Comparable function to Bangladesh Customs but more mature, with mutual recognition arrangements with many counterpart agencies.
• China Customs (General Administration of Customs): China's national customs authority operating a nationwide Single Window and one of the world's largest AEO programs with extensive mutual recognition. Comparable in mandate to Bangladesh Customs but at vastly larger scale; a key regional partner for trade-facilitation alignment.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The U.S. customs and border authority operating ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) and the C-TPAT AEO-equivalent program. Comparable in mandate (duty collection, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling) but vastly larger in scale and with broader security and immigration responsibilities.
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), UK: UK's tax and customs authority operating CDS (Customs Declaration Service) and an AEO program. Comparable in customs operations, trade facilitation, and AEO framework alignment to Bangladesh Customs, though broader in revenue and tax scope.

Direct peers

• General Department of Vietnam Customs: Vietnam's national customs authority operating VNACCS/VCIS and an AEO program covering broad cross-border trade. Comparable in mandate (duty collection, trade facilitation, AEO) and in operating a Single Window linking multiple border agencies, similar to Bangladesh Customs' BSW.
• Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan - Customs Wing: Pakistan's customs authority under FBR, operating WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) for electronic clearance, alongside AEO and risk-management programs. Comparable in mandate (duty collection, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling) and South Asian regional context to Bangladesh Customs.
• Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), Indonesia: Indonesia's national customs and excise authority under the Ministry of Finance, operating the CEISA Single Window and an AEO program (MITA). Comparable in scope (voluntary AEO, advance ruling, bonded zones) and emerging-market trade facilitation context to Bangladesh Customs.
• Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India: India's national customs authority under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. Directly analogous to Bangladesh Customs — operates ICEGATE, an AEO program, and a Single Window for cross-border trade, with comparable mandates around duty collection, trade facilitation, and border enforcement along the shared Bangladesh border.
• Sri Lanka Customs: National customs authority of Sri Lanka operating ASYCUDA World, an AEO program, and a Single Window system. Provides directly comparable trade-facilitation and duty-collection services in the South Asian region, with a similar focus on export-oriented industries.
• Department of Customs, Nepal: Nepal's national customs authority operating ASYCUDA World and an AEO-equivalent green channel program. Directly comparable to Bangladesh Customs in mandate, scale, and South Asian regulatory environment; shares a land-border trade relationship context.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bdcustoms

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bangladesh Customs & VAT