Overview: Buying houses
Buying houses coordinate orders, samples and shipments between overseas buyers and several factories. The core tasks: consolidating goods from multiple factories into one container or CFS, moving samples fast and keeping every factory’s documents consistent.
Routes and ports
- Chattogram Port — Bangladesh’s main seaport for FCL and LCL. Export containers are often stuffed at private off-dock ICD/CFS depots near the port.
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka (DAC) — The main air cargo gateway for urgent, light and high-value goods.
- Kamalapur ICD, Dhaka — An inland container depot linked to Chattogram Port by rail.
FCL, LCL, air or courier?
| Mode | Best for | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|
| FCL | Large lots; your own container (20GP/40GP/40HC) | Per container |
| LCL | Small to mid lots sharing a container | W/M: CBM or tonnes (1,000 kg = 1 CBM), whichever is higher |
| Air cargo | Urgent, light, high-value goods | Actual weight or cm³ ÷ 6000, whichever is higher |
| Express courier | Documents, samples, small parcels, door to door | Actual weight or cm³ ÷ 5000, whichever is higher |
As a rule of thumb, at roughly 13–15 CBM or more ask for a 20′ FCL quote alongside LCL. The final choice depends on rates, schedules and cargo-ready dates. Use the CBM calculator ↗
Incoterms: FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP
Incoterms® 2020 define where cost and risk pass from seller to buyer. Common in Bangladeshi exports:
- EXW — handover at the factory; export clearance falls on the buyer, which is often impractical in Bangladesh — consider FCA.
- FOB — seller is responsible until on board at Chattogram; buyer pays ocean freight. For containers ICC often recommends FCA.
- CIF / CFR — seller pays freight to the destination port (plus insurance under CIF), but risk passes at the loading port.
- DAP / DDP — seller delivers to destination; under DDP the seller also pays import duties and taxes.
Export documents
- Commercial invoice — description, HS code, quantity, value, Incoterm and buyer details
- Packing list — carton numbers, pieces per carton, net/gross weight and dimensions (CBM)
- Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill / AWB (air), issued by the carrier or forwarder
- Bill of Export (shipping bill), lodged in Customs’ ASYCUDA World system through a licensed C&F agent
- EXP form through your authorised dealer (AD) bank, for repatriation of export proceeds
- Certificate of Origin — non-preferential CO from a chamber of commerce; preferential origin (e.g. GSP) per the destination scheme via EPB. For the EU, check REX requirements with EPB
- UD/UP — Utilization Declaration / Permission for bonded raw materials from BGMEA (woven) or BKMEA (knit)
- LC documents exactly as the credit requires (beneficiary certificate, inspection certificate, etc.); discrepancies can delay payment
- Third-party inspection or test reports when the buyer requires them
Special handling and tips
- Keep a per-factory cargo-ready sheet; one late factory can hold a whole container.
- For buyer’s consolidation, confirm CFS closing and the stuffing plan early.
- Samples (proto, fit, PP, shipment) go by express courier; the volumetric divisor is 5000.
- State the Incoterm and named place clearly on invoices (e.g. FOB Chattogram).
Approximate transit times
| Route | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Sea: Chattogram → North Europe (e.g. Hamburg, Rotterdam) | ~25–40 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → US East Coast | ~35–50 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → US West Coast | ~30–45 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → Middle East (e.g. Jebel Ali) | ~15–25 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) | ~12–25 days |
| Air: Dhaka (DAC) → Europe / USA, airport to airport | ~2–7 days |
| Express courier, door to door (major cities) | ~3–7 working days |
| Road: via Benapole to India (Kolkata region) | ~2–7 days, depending on border clearance |
Approximate, varies by carrier. Sea times are port to port; many services from Bangladesh transship at hubs such as Colombo, Singapore or Port Klang. Firm times come with the quote.
Pre-shipment checklist
- PO and carton count per factory
- Consolidation and stuffing plan
- Sample courier schedule
- Approved shipping marks and labels
- Deadline to send the document set to the buyer
FAQ
Can a buying house be the shipper?
It depends on the commercial structure and LC terms; often the factory remains the exporter. Check banking and customs points with your AD bank and C&F agent.
Can goods from several factories share one container?
Yes, through CFS consolidation. Each factory’s packing list and carton marks must stay separate and clear.
Which service suits samples?
Express courier. For heavy sample lots, compare with air freight.
For rules and references see: Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Bangladesh Customs, Bangladesh Bank, BGMEA, BKMEA, Chittagong Port Authority and ICC Incoterms® 2020. Rules change — verify with the relevant authority, your bank and your C&F agent before shipping.
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