In an exercise that would ensure that exporters are able to retain the GSP facility in the EU market, Bangladesh’s Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is all set to introduce a new registration system for those who export to the European Union, Norway and Switzerland, from next week.
EPB officers said that the exporters would have to align with the European Union-introduced automated system for self-declaration of the country of origin — Registered Exporter (REX) system — by 30 June 2020 to avail the Generalised System of Preference in the market.
Under the REX system, all the economic operators or exporters would have to get registered in a database by a competent authority of their country. In Bangladesh, EPB as a competent authority would distribute a unique registration number to the exporters to this end.
As per EPB officials, after the introduction of the automated system, exporters would have to get registered with the EPB first and then the bureau would give a registration number to the agency following necessary scrutiny.
“Initially we have to introduce REX system within December 31 this year and if any company fails to get registered in time they will get time up to 30 June 2020,” maintained Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Export Tapan Kanti Ghosh speaking to the media, adding, “We have no option other than introducing the system in time otherwise Bangladesh will lose GSP facility in the EU, the largest export destination of the country.”
