The Customs Act 2023 replaced the Customs Act 1969 and substantially modernised the legal framework for import, export and transit. It updated provisions on declarations, assessment, valuation, post-clearance audit, penalties, appeals and electronic processing, and reflects international practice more closely. Many day-to-day procedures continue through the electronic clearance system, but businesses should review contracts, internal procedures and past assumptions against the new law, particularly on time limits, penalties, record keeping and audit powers. We advise importers and exporters on how the Act affects their specific operations and risk profile, and update compliance documents to reflect the current position.

Start well before the goods are shipped. Prepare clear technical descriptions, specifications and, where helpful, samples or catalogues, and analyse the tariff headings, section notes and explanatory notes carefully. Where an advance ruling is available, consider applying for one, and keep classification consistent across ports, suppliers and time. If customs officers propose a different heading, respond promptly in writing with technical and legal reasoning rather than accepting a reassessment that becomes a precedent for future shipments. We prepare classification opinions and submissions and represent clients when classification disputes reach adjudication, alternative dispute resolution or appeal.

Customs value is generally based on the transaction value, the price actually paid or payable, adjusted for certain costs such as royalties, licence fees and assists. Where the buyer and seller are related, the authorities may examine whether the relationship influenced the price, and the importer should be ready to show, with evidence, that it did not. Transfer pricing documentation prepared for income tax helps but is not always sufficient for valuation purposes. We review intra-group pricing, prepare valuation evidence and align the customs position with tax and foreign exchange documents to reduce the risk of reassessment.

Bonded warehouse licences allow duty-free import of inputs for export production, but they carry strict obligations. Imports must stay within the approved entitlement, inputs must be used for the declared purpose, records must reconcile imports, consumption, wastage and exports, and licences must be renewed on time. Selling bonded goods in the local market, or failing to account for them, can lead to duty demands, penalties, suspension of the licence and, in serious cases, criminal proceedings. We review bond records, prepare for audits, help resolve discrepancies, regularise expired licences and defend clients when the bond authorities allege misuse.

Act quickly, because demurrage and storage charges accumulate daily. Find out the reason for the hold, whether a classification or valuation query, a document issue, a missing permit or a suspicion of misdeclaration, and obtain any written notice. Many holds can be resolved by supplying documents or making written submissions. Where the dispute is genuine, release against payment under protest, a bank guarantee or other security may be possible while the issue is decided. We engage with officials, prepare submissions and pursue the fastest lawful route to release, escalating to appeal or writ proceedings if necessary.

Post-clearance audit allows the authorities to examine declarations after goods have been released, often covering several years of imports. Auditors may review contracts, invoices, payment records, bond accounts and accounting entries, and can issue demands for unpaid duty, interest and penalties long after the goods were sold. Preparation means keeping complete and well-organised records, reconciling customs declarations with accounts, and correcting known errors before an audit begins. We carry out mock audits, help businesses assemble records, respond to audit queries and challenge findings that are wrong in law or unsupported by evidence, while negotiating sensible outcomes on genuine errors.

Yes. Assessments, demands and penalty orders can be challenged through the routes provided by law, including appeals to the appellate authorities and the Customs, Excise and VAT Appellate Tribunal, and further references or petitions to the High Court Division. Alternative dispute resolution may also be available for some matters. Time limits are strict and, in some cases, a portion of the disputed amount must be deposited before an appeal is heard. We assess the merits and the commercial stakes, choose the most effective route, prepare grounds and evidence, and represent clients through each stage of the dispute.

Bangladesh's planned graduation from least developed country status will gradually affect preferential access to some export markets after the applicable transition periods, and may change the rules of origin and conditions that exporters must satisfy. The precise impact depends on the market, the product and any new trade arrangements negotiated by the government. Exporters should review current preference use, origin documentation and sourcing strategies now, rather than wait for changes to take effect. We advise exporters on their exposure, monitor developments in key markets and coordinate with counsel abroad on market access and trade remedy questions.