The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced a new facility allowing businesses certified as Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) to release imported goods or raw materials from both ports and off-docks.
The Chattogram Customs House issued the directive on Monday under the government’s ease of doing business initiative. At present, around 10 manufacturing companies hold AEO certification.
“Currently, 65 categories of imported goods can only be released from off-docks. Under the new directive, AEO importers will now be able to clear their consignments from either the port or off-docks,” Tareq Mahmud, deputy commissioner of Chattogram Customs House, told The TIMES of Bangladesh.
He said AEO enterprises had long raised concerns about mandatory off-dock clearance, which often created delays and additional costs.
“Considering this, Customs House has now allowed certified companies to release any type of goods from either point. We expect this will expedite container delivery and significantly improve the ease of doing business,” he added.
Among the AEO-certified companies currently enjoying direct warehouse delivery with minimal or no physical inspection are Square Pharmaceuticals, Incepta Pharmaceuticals, Fair Electronics, Towa, Personal Protective Device Bangladesh, GPH Ispat, Popular Pharmaceuticals, Unilever Bangladesh, and Berger Paints.
Customs officials retain the authority to inspect consignments at company warehouses when necessary, a move aimed at reducing both time and costs for compliant businesses.
