Overview: E-commerce & SMEs
Online sellers and small businesses ship small lots — from a few parcels to a few CBM. Express courier is fast and simple, air cargo suits mid-size lots, and LCL sea freight can cut cost for larger, non-urgent shipments. For domestic delivery see also our developer API page.
Routes and ports
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka (DAC) — The main air cargo gateway for urgent, light and high-value goods.
- 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.
- Benapole Land Port (Jashore) — A major land port for road trade with India, opposite Petrapole.
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
- ERC (Export Registration Certificate from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports), trade licence, TIN and BIN
- 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
- For courier parcels, a commercial/proforma invoice and the carrier label; check your bank’s export rules for commercial consignments
- EXP form through your authorised dealer (AD) bank, for repatriation of export proceeds
- MSDS/SDS and a dangerous goods declaration for batteries, chemicals, perfumes or aerosols
Special handling and tips
- Courier chargeable weight is the higher of actual or volumetric (cm³ ÷ 5000).
- Batteries, perfumes, liquids and aerosols may be restricted or prohibited.
- Declare true values and descriptions; misdeclaration can hold parcels at destination.
- For commercial consignments, ask your bank about export proceeds rules.
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
- Parcel weight and dimensions
- Invoice and HS code
- Restricted goods check
- Recipient address and phone
- Returns policy
FAQ
Courier or air cargo?
Courier is simplest for small parcels and door delivery. For heavier lots compare air cargo, though destination clearance and delivery may need separate arrangements.
What are domestic delivery rates?
Platform default estimates: Dhaka BDT 80.00 and other cities BDT 120.00 (up to 1 kg). Partners confirm final prices.
Can my store connect by API?
Yes — the Developers page explains API keys, quotes and booking.
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.
Get quotes for your E-commerce & SMEs shipment
Share route, goods and carton details. After email verification, verified vendors send quotes.