Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 15, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has issued new guidelines expanding the framework for Business-to-Consumer (B2C) exports through international online marketplaces, aiming to simplify procedures and enhance exporters' access to global digital trade platforms.

To this end, the central bank today issued a circular to facilitate small-value exports while ensuring stronger compliance and financial transparency.

Under the new guidelines, exporters will be allowed to engage more effectively with globally recognized online marketplaces, provided they maintain valid merchant or participation agreements that include payment settlement and dispute resolution terms.

The facility will apply exclusively to small-value exports conducted on Cost and Freight (CFR) terms. Shipping and transport documents may now be issued directly in the name of foreign buyers, simplifying documentation requirements for cross-border e-commerce.

Bangladesh Bank has also set a maximum transaction ceiling of US$5,000 per shipment under the framework.

The requirement for Export Form (EXP) submission has been relaxed for shipments up to $1,000, provided that full export proceeds are received in advance through banking channels or legitimate digital payment systems. 

However, EXP filing will remain mandatory for higher-value shipments or where advance payment conditions are not met.

The Advance Receipt Voucher (ARV) requirement has also been waived for eligible advance payments.

Export proceeds must be repatriated through banking or approved digital channels within the prescribed timeframe. 

Authorized Dealers (ADs) will credit exporters' accounts upon receipt of the necessary documentation, including the EXP Form where applicable, which must be submitted within 14 days of shipment.

Funds will be allocated to the Exporters' Retention Quota (ERQ) accounts within permissible limits, with the remaining balance credited to exporters' Taka accounts.

The central bank has introduced a structured refund mechanism to address product returns and quality-related claims.

Refunds to overseas buyers will be processed by ADs based on verified claims, primarily using ERQ balances, or otherwise from exporters' local accounts.

Online platform fees and service charges must comply with existing foreign exchange regulations. 

ADs may remit up to $ 5,000 per year from exporters' Taka accounts for subscription and related service expenses if ERQ funds are insufficient, subject to valid documentation.

To ensure regulatory discipline, ADs will be required to notify the FEPD-1 within seven days of onboarding any exporter under the facility, including details of platforms and transactions.

Bangladesh Bank has also emphasized strict adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations. 

It also added that ADs must maintain complete audit trails and conduct enhanced due diligence on exporters and online platforms.