Are you planning to import goods to Bangladesh? In this article, we provide you with a step by step overview of setting up an import company in Bangladesh and offer an alternative if you wish to start importing immediately.
Who can import to Bangladesh?
Bangladesh allows import companies to be 100% foreign-owned. An import company is a legal entity which trades goods or services to Bangladesh.
Subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures, and branches can also import, given that they will strictly complete all other prescribed documents.
Requirements for setting up an import company in Bangladesh
Allowed foreign ownership
It is possible to incorporate up to 100% foreign-owned import company in Bangladesh.
Minimum capital requirement
There is no official minimum capital requirement for setting up an import company in Bangladesh. However, you are required to make an inward remittance of at least USD 50,000 after completing the incorporation process to cover six months of operational expenses.
Read more about Minimum Capital Requirement in Bangladesh for Foreign Investors.
Import company registration process
Import company registration follows the same process as other types of legal entities in Bangladesh. In addition to incorporating you must also acquire trading and import licenses.
The image below shows the step-by-step process of registering an import company.
Find more information about incorporating a company from our article Guide to Company Registration in Bangladesh.
Acquiring trading license
A trading license is required for business entities in Bangladesh to import goods. The issuing body is the local government where your business operates. These are the documents you need to obtain a trade license:
- Application Form
- Certificate of incorporation
- Partnership agreement (if any)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Work permit from the Board of Investment (BOI)
Emerhub will handle the entire process of incorporating and acquiring the trading license.
Import Registration Certificate
Aside from registering a company in Bangladesh, you need to acquire an Import Registration Certificate. The Import Registration Certificate (IRC) of Bangladesh is a mandatory document to become an importer.
In case you also plan to export from Bangladesh you must get an Export Registration Certificate (ERC) from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports. Emerhub will acquire it for you.
To obtain the Import Registration Certificate, you must submit all the necessary documents such as:
- Trading License
- Membership Certificate (from recognized chamber/trade association)
- Tax Identification Number
- Bank Certificate
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation (in case of a limited company)
The average estimated timeline of an import company incorporation takes about 45-60 days. Approximately, it takes an additional three weeks to get an Import Registration Certificate.
Using the importer of record (IOR) service as an alternative
Importer of record service is an alternative to setting up an import company. You can immediately start importing by using Emerhub’s licenses and consignee service.
Moreover, IOR service ensures that you comply with local laws and handles the customs clearance for you.
Get started with our importer of record service by going to Using Importer of Record Service to Import Goods.
Are you planning to set up an import company in Bangladesh?
Get in touch with us by filling the form below.
If you wish to know other legal entities in Bangladesh, you may also take a look at our article on company registration and branch office.
