Govt to withdraw mandatory radiation test this year: Commerce secy

The government is planning to withdraw the mandatory radiation test primarily to reduce import costs and processing time, said Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman today (17 May).

He made the remark at an event, on US reciprocal tariffs and the way forward for Bangladesh, jointly organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) in the capital's Motijheel.

The mandatory radiation test certificate for all imported agricultural products significantly increases feed production costs. This is due to shipment delays resulting in port demurrage charges and testing fees, which ultimately drive up the food prices in the domestic market, according to sector insiders.

Importers are required to obtain a radiation test certificate for every consignment of agricultural products, specifying the level of Caesium-137 in each kg of goods. Caesium-137, a soft metal that emits beta and gamma radiation, is a common byproduct of Uranium-235 nuclear fission.

The certificate is mandatory for submission to customs to release shipments, importers say. Obtaining it from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission takes at least seven days, causing shipment delays and resulting in demurrage costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers. 

A needless bar: How mandatory radiation test hurts importers, consumers

Moreover, importers say, they have to spend a minimum of Tk5,000 to Tk100,000 for each test certificate, depending on the value of the imported products.

Regarding the imposition of US tariffs, the commerce secretary said, "The US has set the tariffs based on its trade gap. None of us was prepared for this.

"Like other countries, we too will have to address the issue independently. To resolve it, we will enter into bilateral agreements with the US."

He added, "We have taken the appropriate steps following the tariff imposition. We sent a letter to the US, and they have responded. This means we are moving in the right direction."

Mahbubur said discussions are currently underway to increase cotton imports from the US.

In addition, an agreement has been signed for LNG (liquefied natural gas) imports, under which approximately $1 billion worth of LNG will be imported. This move is expected to help reduce Bangladesh's trade deficit with the US, he added.

"However, any bilateral agreements we enter into will strictly follow the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle. We will not deviate from this system," he said.