Major Amendments to Bangladesh Import Policy Order 2026-2029 Announced
Official Gazette Notification | Ministry of Commerce | 20 September 2026
On 20 September 2026, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh issued an important gazette notification that introduces several significant amendments to the Import Policy Order 2026-2029. Issued under the powers granted by Section 3(1) of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, and paragraphs 20 and 22 of the Import Policy Order itself, these changes aim to streamline procedures, enhance transparency, and modernize documentation requirements for importers across the country.
Businesses engaged in international trade, particularly private sector importers, should carefully review these updates to ensure full compliance when clearing goods through Bangladesh Customs. Below is a clear breakdown of the most relevant amendments and their practical implications for day-to-day import operations.
1. Mandatory Electronic Submission of Insurance Documents
One of the most practical changes concerns insurance documentation. Under the revised paragraph 4, sub-paragraph (3), clause (ছ), private importers must now submit the cover note and the related insurance policy electronically through an online system to the Customs authority at the time of goods clearance.
The insurance must be issued by Sadharan Bima Corporation, a Bangladeshi insurance company, or, where applicable, a foreign insurance company. This shift from paper-based submission to electronic filing is designed to reduce delays, minimize physical paperwork, and create a clearer audit trail. Importers who previously relied on manual submission of insurance papers will need to adapt their internal processes to generate and upload digital copies promptly.
This amendment strengthens the government’s push toward digital trade facilitation and aligns with broader efforts to make customs clearance more efficient under the Bangladesh import policy order 2026-2029 amendments.
2. Free-of-Cost Imports Without Prior Permission
Paragraph 12, sub-paragraph (2) has been updated by inserting the word “বিনামূল্যে” (free of cost) after the phrase referring to the Chief Controller’s prior permission and permit. In practical terms, this clarifies that certain categories of goods can now be imported free of charge without requiring prior approval or a formal permit from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, provided other conditions are met.
This small but meaningful addition reduces bureaucratic hurdles for specific non-commercial or special-purpose shipments and offers greater flexibility for businesses handling samples, promotional materials, or other zero-value consignments.
3. Expansion of Payment Methods: Inclusion of Telegraphic Transfer (TT)
A notable update appears in paragraph 25, sub-paragraph (1), clause (ক). The existing reference to “irrevocable letter of credit or contract” has been expanded to include “or TT” (telegraphic transfer). In addition, a new condition has been added at the end of the clause.
This change formally recognizes telegraphic transfer as an acceptable mode of payment for imports under the policy. Many importers already use TT for smaller or urgent shipments; the amendment now places this practice on firmer regulatory footing and reduces ambiguity during customs examination and foreign exchange verification.
4. Restrictions and Clarifications on Artificial Leather and Related Products
Several subsequent amendments address the import of artificial leather and products made from synthetic materials. The revised text clarifies that items such as artificial leather footwear, sports shoes, upper materials, and related components manufactured from polyurethane or similar synthetic substances may only be imported subject to specific conditions. These conditions typically involve recommendations from the relevant industry associations (such as the Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear Exporters Association) and compliance with quality or origin requirements.
Importers dealing in footwear, bags, or fashion accessories should pay close attention to these provisions to avoid clearance delays or potential rejection of consignments.
5. Machinery and Industrial Equipment Updates
Further changes refine the rules governing the import of industrial machinery and capital equipment. The amendments introduce clearer language around the use of irrevocable letters of credit, contracts, and telegraphic transfers for machinery imports. They also adjust terminology related to “used” versus “new” equipment and clarify documentation requirements for plant and machinery intended for approved industrial establishments.
Notably, certain provisions now allow approved industrial units to import capital machinery and spare parts without the need for prior recommendations from specific agencies, provided the equipment is for genuine industrial use. This relaxation is expected to benefit manufacturers seeking to upgrade production lines or expand capacity under the current policy framework.
Additionally, the policy now contains explicit language regarding the import of machinery for industrial purposes without prior approval in defined cases, further simplifying the process for compliant businesses.
Practical Steps for Importers
To remain fully compliant with the latest Bangladesh import policy order 2026-2029 changes, importers should take the following immediate actions:
- Update internal checklists to include electronic upload of insurance cover notes and policies at the time of customs clearance.
- Confirm that payment terms in letters of credit or contracts explicitly reference TT where applicable.
- Review any planned imports of artificial leather products against the newly clarified association recommendation requirements.
- Consult the full gazette text (available on the Bangladesh Government Press website) for precise wording of all amendments.
- Train logistics and documentation teams on the revised procedures to avoid last-minute clearance issues.
These amendments reflect the government’s ongoing effort to balance trade facilitation with regulatory oversight. By moving key documentation online and clarifying payment and product-specific rules, the Ministry of Commerce aims to reduce transaction costs and improve predictability for legitimate importers.
Businesses that adapt quickly to the electronic submission requirements and the expanded payment options will be best positioned to benefit from smoother customs processes under the updated Import Policy Order 2026-2029. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor further clarifications from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports and the National Board of Revenue as implementation progresses.
Staying informed about these regulatory updates is essential for maintaining uninterrupted supply chains and avoiding unnecessary compliance risks in Bangladesh’s evolving import landscape.
Source: Bangladesh Gazette, Additional Issue, Thursday, 24 September 2026 – Ministry of Commerce Notification No. 26.00.0000.111.22.0001.26-70 dated 20 September 2026.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Importers should consult the official gazette and qualified professionals for compliance guidance.