NBR partially launches Bangladesh Single Window system for businesses

Aimed at easing the import and export processes for businesses, the project, which began in 2017, will streamline trade operations by ultimately combining the activities of 19 agencies related to customs under one system, according to an NBR statement.

The seven agencies brought under the single window at present are the department of environment, the Directorate General of Drug Administration, the Export Promotion Bureau, the department of explosives, the Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention, the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority.

The rest 12 agencies will be integrated into the window on February 28, marking the full launch.

Importers and exporters can obtain all certificates, licences and permits and submit the necessary information on a single online platform for clearance of goods. The consignment can be redeemed at the earliest through the certificate issued on the basis of the submitted data.

Representatives from businesses will no longer be required to visit government offices in person to receive the necessary documents, domestic media outlets reported.

The government agencies have started implementing go-live or automation processes.

Project director Jewel Ahmed said 119 types of certificates are required from the 19 authorities for businesses. Among these, 46 are available online now, while the rest are in the process of being digitised.

The World Bank has financed the project.

The 12 other agencies to be included in the system are chief controller of imports and exports, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the department of fisheries, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, plant quarantine wing of the department of agriculture, department of livestock, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)