BGMEA calls for manual clearance of garment consignments to avert shipment disruptions

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged customs authorities for manual customs clearance of ready-made garment (RMG) consignments following issues with the updated Asycuda World System, used for processing import-export shipments.

Problems with the system, which began on the night of 20 September, have disrupted the submission of Import and Export General Manifests (IGM/EGM), invoice verification, and the overall customs clearance process, leading to significant delays in import-export activities.

In response, BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam has written to the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), requesting immediate action. In the letter, dated 26 September, BGMEA stresses the urgent need for manual customs clearance to prevent further disruptions to RMG exports, which are vital to the national economy.

Similarly, the Chattogram Customs Agents Association has written a separate letter to the Chattogram Customs Commissioner, urging a quick resolution to the software-related issues.

The BGMEA's letter emphasises that the Asycuda update has severely hampered online import-export operations since 20 September, putting the country's export trade at risk. If this situation continues, it could bring export activities to a standstill, which would be detrimental to the economy, especially in this transitional period.

The garment sector, which is heavily dependent on fashion trends and tight lead times, has been particularly affected. Delays in export due to these technical issues could result in severe financial losses, as buyers may demand discounts, exporters may need to resort to costly air shipping, or, in some cases, orders could be cancelled altogether. The inability to meet lead times threatens the foreign exchange earnings linked to export orders.