The government has removed a major procedural hurdle for manufacturers importing industrial boilers and their components, suspending the requirement for prior approval from the Chief Inspector of Boilers.
Bangladesh Bank announced the decision in a circular on Sunday, directing the head and principal offices of authorised dealer banks to implement the change.
The move follows a decision at the Boiler Board’s fifth meeting on 24 September and subsequent instructions from the Ministry of Industries on 7 October.
Under the previous system, importers had to submit engineering drawings and technical specifications to obtain approval before placing orders. Foreign manufacturers, however, often refused to provide those documents without formal purchase orders, delaying machinery procurement.
The suspended requirement falls under Rule 18(ka) of the Boiler Rules 2025, framed under the Boiler Act 2022.
The decision affects import and clearance procedures involving Bangladesh Bank, the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, Chattogram, Mongla and Payra port authorities and the Bangladesh Land Port Authority.
The relevant authorities have been asked to align their procedures with the revised arrangement.
The suspension does not relax boiler safety requirements. Existing rules governing inspection, installation, testing and operation under the Boiler Act 2022 and Boiler Rules 2025 remain in force.
Manufacturers will no longer need the chief inspector’s advance clearance to import boilers and components, eliminating the requirement to secure detailed technical documents before placing purchase orders.
