Photo: Collected

DHAKA, March 16, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Bank (BB) has eased regulations for export trade by allowing exporters to dispatch shipping documents directly to importers for shipments valued up to US$ 100,000 or equivalent.

The central bank issued the instruction today through FEPD-1 Circular No.06, inviting the attention of Authorized Dealers (ADs) to paragraph 14 of FE Circular No. 31, dated July 31, 2025, regarding the dispatch of shipping documents related to exports.

To further facilitate export trade, BB decided that Authorized Dealers may allow exporters to arrange for transport documents to be issued in the name of foreign importers or other designated parties. 

This facility applies to shipments with a value threshold of $100,000 or equivalent.

The direct dispatch of these documents to importers or designated parties is contingent upon the issuance of a certificate, as prescribed in Appendix-3 of FE Circular No. 31/2025, to the respective carrier companies.

Under the new directive, the exporter must have achieved a minimum realization of $1 million (or equivalent) in aggregate export proceeds during the last three financial years.

 The respective exporter must have no overdue export proceeds at the time of availing the facility.

ADs are required to obtain valid export orders necessitating such shipment arrangements.

ADs must satisfy themselves regarding the bonafides of foreign importers or consignees in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 13(1) of FE Circular No. 31/2025.

The circular outlines specific safeguards to ensure the security of export earnings. Exporters must provide written consent to avail of the facility, and Authorized Dealers must be fully satisfied with the repatriation mechanism before granting permission.

Authorized Dealers are mandated to ensure that these arrangements do not compromise the realization of export proceeds in any manner. Furthermore, ADs are tasked with maintaining effective monitoring to secure timely repatriation within the statutory period.

This directive serves as a further facilitation of export trade, expanding upon the framework established in FE Circular No. 31, dated July 31, 2025. The central bank has instructed ADs to continue exercising due diligence to ensure strict compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements outlined in the 2025 circular.

The instruction was issued by Dr. Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique, Director (FEPD-1) (Current Charge), and is effective immediately.

Bangladesh Bank clarified that all other instructions related to export transactions remain unchanged.

 Authorized Dealers have been advised to bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of their respective clientele.