Typically a trade licence from the local authority, registration as a food business under the food safety framework, BSTI certification for products on the mandatory list, environmental clearance appropriate to the factory's category, fire and building approvals, factory registration with the labour inspection authority and tax and VAT registration. Some products, such as bottled water, edible oil or infant food, carry additional standards and testing. Foreign-owned companies also register their investment. Requirements vary by product and location, so we prepare a licence map for each project before construction or production begins. Delays in one licence often hold up others.

BSTI maintains a list of products that require mandatory certification under its standards before they can be manufactured or sold, and the list includes many common food and beverage items such as bottled water, edible oils, juices, biscuits, noodles, spices and dairy products. The list is updated from time to time. Certified products must carry the BSTI mark, and production without a valid licence can lead to seizure, fines or mobile court action. Imported products on the list are also subject to BSTI requirements. We confirm the current position for each product before launch. Uncertified sales risk immediate penalties.

In most food and beverage activities, full foreign ownership is permitted, and many multinational food groups operate wholly owned subsidiaries in Bangladesh. The investment should be registered through Invest Bangladesh, or BEPZA for companies in its zones, and capital must come in through banking channels so that dividends and sale proceeds can later be repatriated. Some activities may face restrictions or special approval requirements, and incentives differ between locations. We confirm the current position for the specific activity and help investors set up the company, registrations and banking arrangements. Planning dividend and fee repatriation early is essential.

Labels on packaged food generally need the product name, ingredient list, net quantity, manufacturer or importer details, manufacturing and expiry or best-before dates, batch number, storage instructions and, where applicable, nutrition, allergen and additive information, in line with the food safety labelling regulations and BSTI standards. Bangla text is required for many items sold locally. Imported products often need a local sticker with importer details. Claims such as 'natural', 'sugar-free' or 'halal' must be accurate and supported. We review draft labels before printing, which avoids costly reprints and seizures. Labelling mistakes here are costly.

Halal certification is not universally mandatory for products sold in Bangladesh, but it is commercially important and often required by retailers and export buyers. Certificates are issued by recognised bodies, including the Islamic Foundation and BSTI's halal certification scheme, and export markets may require certification from a body they accept. A halal claim on a label must be backed by a valid certificate covering the specific product and facility. Imported meat and some ingredients may need halal documentation at import. We advise on certification routes, audits and label claims. Keep certificates and supplier undertakings together for inspections and buyers.

Mobile courts and regulators such as BFSA, BSTI and the consumer rights authority can inspect premises, collect samples, seize goods and impose fines for certain offences. Staff should cooperate, request identification, keep a record of what was taken and avoid signing admissions without advice. After the visit, the business should review the findings, consider whether to pay, appeal or challenge, and correct any genuine compliance gap quickly. We advise food and beverage businesses on preparing staff for inspections and respond on their behalf when enforcement action is taken. Write a same-day account of the visit while details are fresh.

Most international restaurant brands enter through a master franchise or development agreement with a local operator, supported by trademark licences, operations manuals, supply arrangements and training. Royalty and fee remittances abroad need foreign exchange compliance and are subject to withholding tax and VAT, and franchise agreements may need registration or approval for remittance purposes. The trademark should be registered in Bangladesh in the franchisor's name before launch. We advise franchisors and local franchisees on structure, negotiation, outlet licensing and the protections each side needs if the relationship ends. Clear, balanced terms prevent later disputes.

Beyond standard corporate matters, buyers should check that every licence and certification is valid and held by the correct entity, that products comply with current standards and labelling rules, and that there is no history of serious enforcement action or recalls. Land title and factory approvals, environmental compliance, trademark ownership, distributor contracts and worker issues often reveal major risks. Contingent liabilities from consumer claims and tax should also be reviewed. We run focused due diligence for food and beverage acquisitions and negotiate warranties and indemnities that reflect the findings. Material findings can support price adjustments, retentions or specific indemnities.