Overview: Garment & RMG factories
Most woven and knit RMG exports move by sea through Chattogram; urgent or late orders go by air from Dhaka’s Shahjalal airport. Many orders are FOB with a buyer-nominated forwarder — the factory still owns cargo readiness, documents and customs.
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.
- Mongla Port (Bagerhat) — The second seaport, often convenient for Khulna and the south-west. Confirm vessel services for your route first.
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
- 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
- Get the buyer’s routing guide and booking cut-offs (CY/CFS closing) early.
- Garments-on-hanger (GOH) need special containers or space booked in advance.
- Match shipping marks, carton labels and the packing list to the buyer’s instructions.
- Agree in writing who pays if a late order must switch from sea to air or sea-air.
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
- Booking confirmation and cut-off dates
- Raw material reconciliation against the UD
- EXP form and Bill of Export
- Inspection / final audit report
- Invoice, packing list and B/L matched to the LC
FAQ
Who chooses the forwarder on a FOB order?
Usually the buyer nominates one. Under FOB the seller carries cost and risk until the goods are on board; after that the buyer does. Your contract terms prevail.
When should garments go by air?
When the delivery date is at risk, or for samples and small high-value lots. Air chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (cm³ ÷ 6000).
What are UD and UP?
The declaration and permission for using bonded imported fabric and trims, issued to members by BGMEA (woven) or BKMEA (knit). Confirm current rules with the association.
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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