1. Your category in Bangladesh
Pick your category and this section shows what we actually hold for Bangladesh: how many potential buyers we have verified, what roles they play in the supply chain, and how well they fit. Switch back to All industries at any time.
“Potential buyers” means the buyers we have verified and listed in our own directory — not every importer in the country. Buyer roles are our own grouping of the roles recorded in that directory. (4 of these records do not yet carry a recorded buyer role.)
2. Entry gate
Bangladesh's gate is financial as much as technical. Regulated products need BSTI certification, and the importer needs an import registration certificate. But the decisive step is the letter of credit: imports are normally conducted through one, and opening it depends on the buyer's access to foreign exchange. Confirm the credit exists before you ship.
| Requirement | Status | What it involves | Lead time | Cost | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSTI certification | Mandatory (listed products) | Certification against the applicable Bangladeshi standard by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, evidenced by a certificate of conformity presented at import. | 4–10 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Import registration certificate | Always applies | The importer must hold a valid import registration certificate and the accompanying tax registrations. No Bangladeshi entity is required from the exporter. | 2–4 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Letter of credit | Normal route for imports | Imports are normally conducted under a letter of credit opened by the Bangladeshi importer's bank. Foreign-exchange availability affects how quickly a credit can be opened, so confirm the credit is issued before booking the shipment. | 1–4 weeks | Bank charges | Pending |
| Tariff (MFN) | Always applies | Average applied MFN tariff around 12.9%; the rate depends on the HS line and must be confirmed line by line at HS-code level. | — | On customs value | Pending |
| Tariff (preference) | Not available for Chinese origin | Bangladesh has preferential access to a number of export markets under regional and unilateral schemes, but as an importer it applies its own MFN tariffs and there is no free trade agreement with China. Some concessions exist under the regional trade arrangement. | — | — | Pending |
| VAT | Always applies | 15% standard rate, charged on the customs value plus duty, plus an advance income tax deducted at import for many categories. The VAT is recoverable by a registered business, though the advance tax generally is not. | — | 15% + advance tax | Pending |
| Labelling | Mandatory | Labelling in Bengali or English with product name, the importer's name and address, country of origin, net quantity and, for regulated products, the BSTI mark. | 1–3 weeks | — | Pending |
Certification, tariff and clearance figures change. Every row above carries a verification date, and the current requirement is confirmed with your nominated local agent before each shipment.
3. Buyers and channel partners
Leading buyers and channel partners
Every company below is a real business in Bangladesh taken from our own buyer research, and we have verified that its website is reachable. Names and business types are public; decision-makers, direct emails and phone numbers are reserved for members of the Buyer Directory.
How to use this list: do not mass-mail. Bangladeshi purchasing is bank-mediated — the useful first question is not what the buyer wants but whether they can open a credit. Work with importers who have a track record of opening credits promptly.
4. Demand and import profile
Select your HS code and this block shows the import performance of your own category in Bangladesh — not the country's macro numbers.
Import size & growth
Example: imports of this category run at a double-digit share of the market's total and are growing faster than overall imports.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Source-country mix
Example: China is the largest source, ahead of regional and EU suppliers.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Price band
Example: the mid price band is where Chinese supply competes; the low band is held by regional producers.
Example values · to be replaced with customs / trade data
What we can supply to this market
These are the lines we have found the strongest fit for Bangladesh. Specifications are on the product pages; tell us your application and we will confirm the model.
5. Landed-cost calculator
A static table cannot persuade anyone. Enter your own numbers and see the landed cost. Duty rate and freight are editable so you can test scenarios.
Your shipment
Estimated landed cost
Illustrative calculation only. It excludes anti-dumping duty, excise, port storage and any category-specific surcharge. Confirm the duty rate and local charges with your forwarder before making a commitment.
6. Logistics and customs
Clearance-day figures change with congestion and policy; treat as indicative and confirm before quoting.
7. Payment, currency and tax
8. Localisation and communication
These are the details nobody tells you, and one mistake can cost you a customer.
9. Risks and timing
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship without a letter of credit?
Imports are normally conducted under a letter of credit. Shipping before the credit is opened exposes you to non-payment, and we would not recommend it.
Why does opening a credit take so long?
It depends on the importer's bank and on foreign-exchange availability, which has been constrained in recent years. Confirm the position with the buyer before booking freight.
Does my product need BSTI certification?
For listed products, yes. Certification is against the applicable Bangladeshi standard and is presented at import.
How is import tax calculated?
15% VAT on the customs value plus duty, plus an advance income tax deducted at import for many categories. The VAT is recoverable; the advance tax generally is not.
Is there a free trade agreement between China and Bangladesh?
No. As an importer Bangladesh applies its own MFN tariffs. Some regional concessions exist, but Chinese-origin goods pay the standard rate.
Which port should I use?
Chittagong (Chattogram) handles the large majority of container traffic. Mongla and Payra are secondary options but have fewer services.