A company usually needs to be incorporated or otherwise properly constituted, hold a trade licence from the local authority, have tax and VAT registration, and obtain an import registration certificate, an export registration certificate or both through the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports. Membership of a relevant chamber or trade association is often required as part of that process. Depending on the goods, sector permits may also be needed. Foreign-owned companies must also consider Invest Bangladesh registration and Bangladesh Bank rules. We prepare a checklist tailored to the business before trading begins, with clear responsibilities.

The current Import Policy Order and Export Policy list goods that are banned, restricted or subject to conditions, such as prior permission, testing or certification. Other laws also matter, for example those on drugs, food safety, chemicals, telecommunications equipment, wildlife and hazardous waste, each of which may require a separate permit. Classification under the customs tariff affects how these rules apply. We review the product, its HS classification and its intended use, confirm the current requirements and identify the authorities whose permission is required before the goods are shipped, avoiding costly holds at the port.

As Bangladesh graduates from least developed country status, it will gradually lose some preferences available only to LDCs, after transition periods that differ by market. In the European Union, exporters currently using Everything But Arms will need to qualify under a successor arrangement, which carries stricter conditions and rules of origin. Other markets have their own rules. Graduation also affects some WTO flexibilities. Exporters should review which preferences they rely on, model the effect of losing them and consider sourcing and compliance changes. We help clients understand the legal effect for their specific products and markets.

Banks deal in documents, so a letter of credit is generally independent of the underlying sale contract, and courts are reluctant to interfere with payment. However, Bangladeshi courts have recognised that payment may be restrained in clear cases of established fraud or illegality, and in some other limited circumstances. The evidence must be strong and the application made quickly, before the bank pays. We advise applicants and banks on whether an injunction is realistic, prepare urgent applications where justified, and advise on alternative remedies under the sale contract where it is not.

Bangladesh implements United Nations sanctions, and Bangladeshi banks apply foreign sanctions rules in practice because of their correspondent relationships. US, UK and EU sanctions can therefore affect payments, shipping, insurance and counterparties even where no Bangladeshi law prohibits the trade. Goods with US-origin content may also be subject to US export controls. A sanctioned party anywhere in the international trade chain can cause payments to be blocked. We help clients screen counterparties, vessels and goods, draft sanctions clauses and respond when a bank delays or refuses a payment on sanctions grounds.

Check the buyer's identity and credit risk, the payment terms and security, the Incoterms rule and where risk passes, inspection and quality requirements, the timetable, penalties for delay, force majeure, and the governing law and dispute clause. Confirm that the contract matches the letter of credit terms and that the documents required can actually be produced. Also check buyer codes of conduct, which can impose obligations beyond the contract itself. We review sale contracts and purchase orders for exporters engaged in international trade, particularly for large or recurring orders, where a single clause can shift substantial risk.

That depends on the contract. Many international trade contracts contain arbitration clauses, often providing for arbitration abroad, and foreign awards can be enforced in Bangladesh under the Arbitration Act 2001 as Bangladesh is a party to the New York Convention. Without arbitration, disputes go to the civil courts, and the Commercial Courts Act 2026 introduces specialised courts for commercial disputes. Pre-case mediation requirements may also apply to some disputes. We advise on forum, interim relief, evidence and enforcement, and act in proceedings in Bangladesh and alongside counsel abroad. Early advice on forum avoids wasted cost.

Start by understanding the reasons for the decision and the evidence relied on. Many valuation disputes can be resolved by providing contracts, invoices, payment records and evidence of the price actually paid. Classification disputes often turn on technical descriptions and the explanatory notes to the tariff. If the matter cannot be resolved at the assessment stage, the law provides for departmental appeals and further appeals to the appellate tribunal, with limited court review. Time limits are short and strict. We prepare submissions, represent clients through each stage and advise on paying under protest to release goods.