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How to Get Import Registration Certificate in Bangladesh - 7 Simple Steps
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If you want to import any goods in Bangladesh, you must have an Import Registration Certificate (IRC). It is official permission by the Government of Bangladesh to import any goods, raw materials, or products in Bangladesh.
But how to obtain an Import Registration Certificate in Bangladesh? It is a simple process. Collect an IRC application form. Fill it up accurately. Pay the required fees in the instructed bank and collect 3 copies of Treasury Challan. Attach the required documents. Submit the application to the CCIE office. Wait and collect the issued certificate and passbook.
Before knowing the application process, learn what an Import Registration Certificate is briefly. Also, learn about the renewal process. Keep reading to learn everything in detail.
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What Is an Import Registration Certificate (IRC)?
An Import Registration Certificate (IRC) or import license is an obligatory document for importing goods in Bangladesh.
The authority that issues an Import Registration Certificate is the Office of the Controller of Imports and Exports (CCIE) under the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh.
Import Registration Certificate (IRC) is issued to an eligible Bangladeshi company according to The Import Policy Order 2015-18 of Bangladesh.
Check the Import Policy Order 2015-18 in Bangla here.
Procedure to Get an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) in Bangladesh
You can get an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) in Bangladesh by properly applying to the right authority.
Here are the steps to follow for a successful application:
Step 01:
Go to the office of the Controller of Imports and Exports (CCIE). Collect an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) application form for free from the 3rd floor of the CCIE office for free.
Step 02:
Fill up the application form completely and accurately.
Step 03:
Pay the required fees for registration and passbook at a branch of Sonali Bank or Bangladesh Bank. Collect three copies of Treasury Challan after completing the payment.
Step 04:
Arrange and attach the required documents and Treasury Challans with the application form.
Step 05:
Submit the application at the receipt dispatch section on the 3rd floor of the CCIE office and collect your dedicated entry number with an official stamp from the CCIE office.
Step 06:
Wait until the verification and approval process ends.
Step 07:
Collect the issued IRC and Passbook from the CCIE office.
Note: The CCIE office usually takes 3-5 working days to issue an Import Registration Certificate after submitting the application.
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Documents Required to Obtain an Import Registration Certificate
Do you know what are the requirements for an import license in Bangladesh?
These are the mandatory documents you must attach with the Import Registration Certificate application form:
- A copy of the valid Trade License of your company attested by a first-class gazetted officer.
- An attested copy of your valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) Certificate.
- An attested copy of the valid VAT Registration Certificate of your company.
- A valid Bank Certificate as proof of your financial solvency.
- An attested copy of the Membership Certificate obtained from a recognized Chamber of Commerce & Industry or Trade Association.
- An attested copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of your company.
- An attested copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of your company (in case of a limited company).
- An attested copy of the Partnership Deed of your company (in case of a partnership business).
- An attested copy of the Joint Registered Agreement of your company (in case of a joint venture).
- A copy of the valid Citizenship Certificate of the entrepreneur, managing partner, or managing director of the company attested by the Ward Commissioner or Union Parishad Chairman.
- An attested copy of the National ID card of the entrepreneur, managing partner, or managing director.
- Attested copies of Passport and Work Permit documents (if the entrepreneur, managing partner, or managing director is a foreigner).
- A copy of a passport-size photograph of the entrepreneur, managing partner, or managing director attested by a first-class gazetted officer.
- 3 copies of bank Treasury Challan.
Note: Submit the original documents along with the photocopies to aid the verification process. You will get back the original documents after the completion of verification.
Procedure to Renew an Import Registration Certificate in Bangladesh
The Import Registration Certificate (IRC) or import license usually expires after one year. So, you have to renew your IRC annually to prevent it from expiring.
Follow the steps below to renew your Import Registration Certificate:
Step 01: Arrange the required documents.
Step 02: Pay the renewal fee at a branch of Sonali Bank or Bangladesh Bank and collect a copy of Treasury Challan.
Step 03: Submit all the required documents to the CCIE office or the Nominated Bank.
Step 04: Wait until the verification and approval process ends.
Step 05: Collect the renewed certificate and passbook from the CCIE office.
Note: According to The Import Policy Order 2015-18, the renewal can also be done through a nominated bank. So, you have to mention the nominated bank’s name in the IRC application form during the first registration.
Documents Required to Renew an Import Registration Certificate
Below are the documents required for renewing your Import Registration Certificate:
- The original copy and two photocopies of your expired original IRC.
- Your IRC Passbook.
- The original copy and two photocopies of Treasury Challan.
How Much Is an Import License in Bangladesh?
The importers (commercial and industrial) are classified into eight categories based on the ceiling value of overall annual imports.
The IRC registration and renewal fees vary among eight categories as follows:
| Category | Ceiling Value of Overall Annual Import | Initial Registration Fees | Renewal Fees (Annual) |
| 1st | Upto BDT 5,00,000 | BDT 5,000 | BDT 3,000 |
| 2nd | BDT 5,00,001 to 25,00,000 | BDT 10,000 | BDT 6,000 |
| 3rd | BDT 25,00,001 to 50,00,000 | BDT 24,000 | BDT 10,000 |
| 4th | BDT 50,00,001 to 1,00,00,000 | BDT 40,000 | BDT 15,000 |
| 5th | BDT 1,00,00,001 to 5,00,00,000 | BDT 50,000 | BDT 22,000 |
| 6th | BDT 5,00,00,001 to 20,00,00,000 | BDT 60,000 | BDT 24,000 |
| 7th | BDT 20,00,00,001 to 50,00,00,000 | BDT 70,000 | BDT 28,000 |
| 8th | BDT 50,00,00,001 or above | BDT 80,000 | BDT 32,000 |
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Conclusion
Now you know that obtaining an Import Registration Certificate in Bangladesh involves some easy steps. Here, the arduous part is the collection and preparation of required documents.
But I have included every detail in this guide so you are not left with difficulties in obtaining your Import Registration Certificate successfully. If you still have any confusion, you can get reliable assistance from Law Advisor BD.
I hope you will do everything properly to get an IRC within the expected time and do the best for your import businesses.
FAQs
Get the correct answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding an Import Registration Certificate in Bangladesh.
The Office of the Controller of Imports and Exports (CCIE) under the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh issues an IRC in Bangladesh.
The new fee (registration fee) for different categories of importers ranges from BDT 5,000 to BDT 80,000 based on the ceiling value of overall annual import.
Previously it was only one year. Now the Government of Bangladesh has increased the validity period to five years to reduce the hassle of importers. So you can enjoy the extended validity after paying the required fees.
