Published: 02:37 PM, 25 September 2026
Govt moves to simplify cargo clearance, reduce trade costs
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Wednesday called for an integrated plan involving all relevant government agencies to simplify export-import cargo clearance procedures, improve logistics services and reduce the overall cost of international trade.
“The government is working to enhance the capacity of relevant agencies and simplify trade procedures to reduce the time and cost involved in clearing cargo,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the 10th meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat, according to a press release.
He stressed that coordinated action among customs, ports, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders would be essential to ensure that businesses can fully benefit from ongoing trade facilitation initiatives.
The meeting reviewed Bangladesh’s progress in implementing the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), along with ongoing efforts to modernise customs services, expand digital platforms, improve logistics infrastructure and facilitate the export of agricultural products.
According to a working paper presented at the meeting, Bangladesh has so far implemented 47 of the 54 measures under the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Of these, Bangladesh has implemented and notified the WTO of 21 Category-A and 18 Category-B commitments. Of the 15 Category-C measures, eight have already been completed, while the remaining seven are scheduled for implementation by June 2030.
The meeting emphasised the need to accelerate implementation of the outstanding measures, particularly as Bangladesh prepares to navigate the changing trade environment following its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.
Participants said faster customs clearance, predictable procedures, efficient logistics and lower transaction costs would be increasingly important for maintaining the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exporters and importers.
As part of the digitalisation drive, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has already implemented the National Single Window, bringing applications for trade-related certificates, licences and permits, as well as the delivery of related services, under a single digital platform.
So far, 19 government agencies have been integrated into the system, while initiatives are underway to bring another 18 agencies under the platform.
The process of establishing a separate Bangladesh Single Window Commissionerate is also underway to provide an institutional structure for operating and managing the system.
NBR Member Dr Al Amin Pramanik told the meeting that the authority expects to implement the Automated Risk Management Software (ARMS) by October.
The risk-analysis-based system is expected to help customs authorities identify consignments requiring greater scrutiny while allowing lower-risk cargo to be cleared more quickly.
Pramanik also said the NBR had taken initiatives to increase the number of businesses receiving Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification.
The AEO system is intended to facilitate faster and more predictable customs procedures for businesses that meet specified compliance and security standards.
The NBR has also introduced facilities allowing cargo clearance procedures to begin before the arrival of goods at ports. Online registration of auto-manifests has also been introduced as part of efforts to reduce paperwork and processing time.
A National Inquiry Point has additionally been established to provide businesses with customs- and trade-related information.
The meeting also reviewed infrastructure development for the export of perishable agricultural products, an area considered important for expanding Bangladesh’s agricultural exports.
Modernisation work is underway at the cold storage facility at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Evaluation of tenders for construction of a new cold storage facility at Benapole has also been completed.
Meanwhile, an agreement has been signed to establish a cold storage and processing plant on 18 acres of land in Mongla. There is also a plan to establish a packing house and cold-chain facility for export-oriented agricultural products at Dewanhat in Chattogram.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan said the Ministry of Commerce alone could not implement all activities under the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
“Efforts are underway to complete the remaining activities ahead of the stipulated deadlines with cooperation from all relevant stakeholders,” he said.
ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky stressed the importance of adopting common procedures and digital systems to minimise variations in decisions involving similar types of products.
The meeting also discussed strengthening coordination among relevant agencies to improve food-quality testing and laboratory facilities, which are important for meeting international standards and facilitating exports.
Senior officials from different ministries, the NBR, port authorities and other relevant agencies attended the meeting. Additional Secretary (WTO) of the Ministry of Commerce Khadija Nazneen conducted the meeting.
