BGMEA urges NBR for speedy, hassle-free Customs services to support garment industry

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called on the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to ensure fast and hassle-free Customs, VAT, and bond-related services for the import and export activities of the readymade garment sector.

This was urged during a meeting between BGMEA representatives and NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Wednesday at the Chattogram Custom House.

BGMEA's Chattogram region leaders, led by first vice president Syed Nazrul Islam, highlighted the challenges the industry is facing at present, including delays in clearing imported raw materials, machinery, and equipment. 

They underscored the need for NBR's cooperation in resolving the issues to maintain competitiveness in the global market, reads a press release.

At the meeting, NBR Chairman Rahman assured the BGMEA delegation that NBR would work to address the industry's concerns and take the necessary steps to resolve the issues.

BGMEA's first vice president Nazrul said the export market for RMG has shrunk in most countries, including the industry's two largest markets. The challenges posed by recent political instability in Bangladesh, which has led to worker dissatisfaction since July, disrupting both production and exports. "Unless the situation improves soon, there could be a reduction in purchase orders for the upcoming season."

BGMEA Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury said Customs procedures significantly impact the RMG industry's import-export operations, driving up production costs and causing unnecessary delays. "This, in turn, hampers the industry's competitiveness in the global market."

Lead time is a crucial factor in the garment export industry, and global demand for shorter delivery times is rising, he noted.

"If we face delays due to Customs-related issues, we risk losing our competitive edge," Rakibul said, urging modernisation and simplification of Customs processes.

Among others, BGMEA Directors M Ehsanul Haque, Mohammad Musa, Amjad Hossain Chowdhury, Mostafa Sarwar Riyad, Rakib Al Nasser, and Gazi Md. Shahidullah, along with former first vice presidents Ershad Ullah, SM Abu Taiyab, Nasiruddin Chowdhury, and Mohammad Abdus Salam were present at the meeting.

Senior officials from Chattogram Custom House, including Commissioner Md Zakir Hossain, were present.