The leaders of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry have called on customs officials to remove obstacles linked to VAT and expedite bonded services, highlighting the importance of these reforms in preserving the sector’s ability to compete globally.
A BGMEA delegation, led by Director Faisal Samad and including Directors Sumaiya Islam and Kazi Mizanur Rahman, met Dhaka South Customs Bond Commissioner Mohammad Hasmat Ali yesterday to highlight persistent customs bottlenecks.
According to a BGMEA press release, exporters continue to face unnecessary VAT complications when bonded factories outsource services such as washing, printing, dyeing, and embroidery to non-bonded units.
The delegation called for faster, simplified customs procedures free from harassment. They also sought easier processes for importing raw materials on a free-of-charge (FOC) basis, seamless supply of goods from bonded indirect exporters to non-bonded direct exporters, and smoother subcontracting operations.
BGMEA leaders requested the reconstitution of a joint working committee, similar to one formed previously, comprising representatives from all customs houses, bond commissionerates, the National Board of Revenue, the Customs Intelligence Department, and industry stakeholders to address both short- and long-term sector challenges.
Commissioner Hasmat Ali assured the delegation that instructions have been issued to officials to make customs services more efficient and business-friendly. He also pledged prompt dialogue-based solutions and full support to help the RMG sector meet its export targets.
