NBR invites applications for C&F agent licences under new 2026 rules

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has invited applications for Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agent licences under the newly formulated Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agent Licensing Rules, 2026.

According to a press release issued today (22 February), the new licensing process has been introduced in line with Section 243 of the Customs Act, 2023, replacing the previous Customs Agent Licensing Rules, 2020.

Interested applicants have been asked to submit applications in the prescribed 'Form-Ka' along with required documents and certificates to the Chairman of the Licensing Authority of the respective customs station by 4pm on 31 March 2026. Applications must be submitted along with the original copy of a bank draft or pay order.

The NBR said the new rules were formulated to ensure a competitive environment and improve service quality for importers and exporters. Previously, there was no separate regulation for C&F agents, and licences were issued under the Customs Agent Licensing Rules, 2020. To make C&F operations more streamlined and time-appropriate, a separate set of rules has now been enacted.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Must hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university; Companies established with local and foreign joint ownership are eligible; however, foreign shareholding must not exceed 49 percent of the total shares; A sole proprietor, partner of a partnership firm, or shareholder of a limited company cannot obtain more than one licence; Applicants must mention only one customs station in the application form; applications mentioning multiple stations will be rejected.

Required Documents:

Applicants must submit the following documents in accordance with Rule 6 of the 2026 Rules:

Attested copies of National ID cards of the proprietor, managing director, chairman, or partners as applicable; VAT registration certificate (Mushak-2.3), if available; Updated trade licence (attested copy); Proof of Submission of Return (PSR) issued by the income tax authority for the current or previous year; Attested copy of bachelor's degree certificate; Three recent passport-size color photographs; For companies registered under the Companies Act, 1994, copies of Memorandum and Articles of Association; for partnership firms under the Partnership Act, 1932, Attested copy of the partnership deed; A non-refundable bank draft or pay order of Tk 5,000 in favour of the Director General, Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy, Chattogram; A declaration on Tk 300 non-judicial stamp stating that no licence has previously been issued in the name of the applicant entity under the Rules; Proof of office ownership or valid rental documents; Certificate of practical experience regarding the Customs Act, 2023, VAT and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, import-export policy and customs procedures (if available).

After preliminary scrutiny by the respective customs stations, the list of eligible candidates for the examination will be published on the website of the Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy (www.cevta.gov.bd). Written and viva examination schedules and results will also be published on the same website.

Admit cards will be sent by post to the address mentioned in Form-Ka. Applications that fail to meet the prescribed conditions or are submitted after the deadline will be rejected.

The authority reserves the right to change or revise the examination date and schedule at any time, the release added.