To make the customs management system easier to use, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has pushed the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to change the Customs Act and implement complete automation.
“These reforms would simplify customs procedures, create a more business-friendly environment, and reduce the cost of doing business in Bangladesh,” FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said at a workshop at its Motijheel office. FBCCI and NBR jointly organised the workshop.
“The Customs Act is crucial for simplifying trade procedures and lowering business costs,” he said. “We believe the new law will significantly expedite trade activities.”
The inconvenience brought about by the intricacies surrounding the Harmonised System (HS) code for product classification was emphasised by the president of the premier trade association. To solve this problem, he stressed how crucial total automation is to customs management.
“A well-crafted law is only beneficial if implemented effectively,” he stressed. “We urge the NBR to consider private sector proposals before finalising the implementation process.”
AM Mahbub Chowdhury, the director of the FBCCI, spoke about the harassment that traders experience at ports. He made the point that traders face additional challenges during customs clearance even after paying penalty for delayed duty clearance.
Representatives from the industry also voiced their particular worries. The Sugar Traders Association’s president, Abul Hashem, advocated for a tax cut on sugar since he saw it as a necessity rather than a luxury good. In doing so, illicit sugar imports would be reduced.
The head of the Bangladesh Spice Traders Association, Muhammad Enayet Ullah, encouraged the NBR to modify taxes in response to changes in the global spice market. He emphasised the way that excessive tariffs drive up the cost of spices in neighbourhood markets.
In response, NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem assured the business community that logical proposals would be considered for amendments during the implementation phase of the Customs Act. He also encouraged businesses to submit written complaints against customs officials instead of making random accusations.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
