NBR launches online platform for centralised customs, tariff information

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched an online import-export hub as part of its automation efforts to provide customs and tariff-related information from a single platform, aiming to enhance the ease of doing business.

Businesses and individuals can access essential trade-related details, including general information, compliance requirements, product-specific documentation, tariff rates, duty and tax benefits, an approximate tax calculator, and preferential tax benefits at hub.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd.

The NBR introduced the system alongside the Customs Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) module within the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World, designed to facilitate faster consignment clearance at ports. The launch event took place at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon yesterday.

During the presentation, NBR First Secretary (Customs) Amimul Ehsan Khan said, "Exporters and importers can now easily access all necessary documents and tariff-related information, including legal explanations, through this system. They no longer need to visit multiple offices to understand the process and collect documents."

After the programme, he told The Business Standard, "Initially, we launched this system for agricultural products. However, we are working to expand it to cover all products."

The online import-export hub was developed with the assistance of the United States Department of Agriculture under the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation Project and under the supervision of NBR.

Zaved Akhter, president of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said the move will encourage foreign direct investment and strengthen investor confidence in Bangladesh.

Zaved, also the chairman of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, assured that he would highlight this progress in Bangladesh's digital transformation to global investors.

Rupali Chowdhury, managing director of Berger Paints Bangladesh, stressed the need for NBR's central-level policy decisions to be effectively implemented at the field level.

She noted that most customs-related issues stem from complications with the Harmonized System (HS) Code.

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and the event's chief guest, questioned why it took 12 years to implement the AEO system.

Referring to Youngone Corporation in Bangladesh, he said when receiving export orders, the company first considers its Vietnam operations before allocating the remaining orders to its Bangladesh unit because Vietnam is far ahead in terms of lead time.

"We need to address these issues," he added.

NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan acknowledged that the authority has lagged behind in automation efforts.

"We have failed to implement the AEO system on time," he stated.

He also noted that while tax evasion remains a persistent issue, compliant taxpayers often bear the pressure.

Benefits of AEO

AEO-licensed companies will enjoy expedited customs clearance for imports and exports by following automated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), according  to tax officials.

They can self-assess 20% of their shipments, pay duties and taxes through self-assessment, and receive imported goods directly from ships to warehouses, bypassing customs intervention.

Besides, fewer than 50% of AEO-certified shipments will undergo product risk management, officials said.

Companies can clear goods without chemical testing, receive priority in advance rulings, and, when a bank guarantee is required, pay only 75% of the guarantee with a 25% commitment.

The NBR began issuing AEO licences six years ago, according to officials. So far, only 15 business firms have received the license. Another two firms were granted licenses yesterday, and NBR also recognised 10 firms during the same event.