Steps to import from Bangladesh
- Find and vet suppliers
Check the factory address, registration, samples and references. Write a third-party audit or inspection into the contract if you need one. You can also look at our sister sourcing platforms for help finding suppliers.
- Quotes and Incoterms
Record the Incoterm in writing. Under EXW the buyer takes on almost all carriage. Under FOB the seller delivers on board the vessel at the named port of shipment (sea or inland waterway). Under CIF the seller pays cost, insurance and freight to the named port of destination. Under DAP the seller delivers the goods, ready for unloading, at the named place; import duties usually remain with the buyer (unlike DDP).
- Samples
Match quality, measurements and packing on a sample before a bulk order. Samples often travel by courier; mark the commercial invoice clearly as samples.
- Payment methods
Letter of credit (LC) and telegraphic transfer (TT, or wire) are widely used. Agree the method in the contract and follow your bank’s process. This page does not recommend one method over another.
- Export documents
A typical set includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Where a duty preference applies you may need GSP Form A, a statement on origin under REX, or another form the destination specifies. Agricultural goods may need a phytosanitary certificate, and animal or fish products a health certificate.
- Sea, air or courier
Heavy or bulky commercial cargo usually moves as FCL or LCL through Chattogram Port. Urgent, light or higher-value goods may go as air cargo via Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka (DAC). Documents and small samples often travel by courier.
- Chattogram Port and Dhaka airport
Chattogram is Bangladesh’s main seaport; export containers are often stuffed at off-dock depots near the port. Dhaka is the main air-cargo gateway. Your forwarder will confirm the route and cut-off times.
- Customs clearance at destination
Import duties and formalities are set by the destination country. Confirm the HS code, licences and declarations with a customs broker there. ISL Freight is not the destination customs agent.
- Timeline
Sea freight usually takes longer than air or courier. Production, sample approval, booking, export clearance, the main carriage and destination clearance all add time. No fixed number of days is promised here; ask for a schedule in your quote.
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FAQ
- Can I import any product from Bangladesh?
- You can request freight quotes for most lawful commercial goods. Some items are restricted or need licences. Confirm with your supplier and a customs broker first.
- Does ISL Freight find suppliers or clear goods at destination?
- ISL Freight is a freight marketplace: you request shipping quotes and verified logistics vendors respond. Finding suppliers and destination customs clearance are separate — see our sister sourcing platforms if you need sourcing help, and appoint a customs broker.
- How long does shipping take?
- Timing depends on the mode, route, cargo and customs. Sea is usually slower than air or courier. No fixed number of days is given here; ask for a schedule in your quote.
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