Artificial sweetener Sodium Cyclamate- Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Nov 10, 2025 (BSS) - The Chattogram Customs House today seized 39 
metric tons of the import-prohibited artificial sweetener Sodium Cyclamate. 

Acting on a tip-off, the Audit, Investigation and Research (AIR) team of 
Chattogram Customs House seized the consignment at the final stage of 
release.

A review of the seized consignment revealed that the importing company, S P 
Traders, 218 Mitford Road, Bangshal, Dhaka, imported three containers 
totaling 63 metric tons of goods from China on 04/10/2025, declaring the 
product as Polyaluminium Chloride. For clearance of the shipment, on behalf 
of the importer, C Bird Corporation, 200/B Jubilee Road, Chattogram, 
submitted Bill of Entry No. 1828278 dated 07.10.2025.

After the consignment was loaded onto trucks for delivery, the release 
process was halted by Chattogram Customs based on secret information. On 
28/10/2025, a physical examination of the goods was conducted in the presence 
of the C&F representative. 

Two types of products were detected during the inspection. Samples were 
collected and sent to the Customs House laboratory for chemical analysis. 
According to the chemical test report, 24 metric tons of the declared 
Polyaluminium Chloride were found, while the remaining 39 metric tons were 
confirmed to be Sodium Cyclamate, said a press release.

Sodium Cyclamate is an artificial sweetener that is 30 to 50 times sweeter 
than regular sugar. Some unscrupulous traders use this harmful substance as a 
substitute for sugar in various sweets, bakery products, ice cream, 
beverages, juices, chocolates, condensed milk and even baby food. 

Food prepared using Sodium Cyclamate poses serious health risks. It can cause 
cancer as well as severe kidney and liver complications. Considering its 
threat to public health, the government has declared the product import-
prohibited under the Import Policy Order 2021-2024.

As Sodium Cyclamate is a prohibited item, the consignment has been seized by 
the Chattogram Customs House under the provisions of the Customs Act, 2023, 
and legal procedures are underway.