The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially soft launched the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW) system, aimed at enhancing the import and export processes for businesses, including the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. The launch event included notable attendees such as Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs.
The BSW initiative, which began in 2017, seeks to integrate the operations of 19 customs-related agencies into a single, streamlined platform. Currently, seven agencies, including the Department of Environment, the Directorate General of Drug Administration, and the Export Promotion Bureau, are operational within the system. The remaining 12 agencies are set to be integrated by 28th February, marking the full launch of the system.
With this new system, businesses will no longer need to visit multiple offices to obtain necessary certifications, licenses, and permits for import and export. This is particularly beneficial for the RMG sector, which relies heavily on timely and efficient trade operations. By utilising the BSW, RMG exporters can secure all required documents quickly and online, significantly reducing delays associated with traditional processes.
The Bangladesh Single Window also incorporates an Advance Risk Management System (ARMS), which helps authorities assess applicants’ track records in real-time, allowing for quicker processing of applications. This streamlined approach is expected to minimise paperwork, cut costs, and shorten the time needed for goods clearance at ports.
The system is designed to facilitate better trade data management and increase revenue collection through improved efficiency and compliance, further benefiting the RMG industry. By reducing human interaction and enhancing transparency, the BSW aims to diminish opportunities for corruption, making it easier for traders to navigate the customs process.
NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating that the BSW will not only simplify trade operations but also bolster the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s export sectors, particularly RMG, which is vital for the country’s economy.
As the project progresses, it is anticipated that the Bangladesh Single Window will transform the landscape of international trade for the RMG sector, paving the way for quicker, more efficient, and transparent import-export operations.
