Overview: Pharmaceuticals
Temperature control and paperwork matter most in pharma exports. Many products travel at controlled room temperature (typically 15–25°C) and some need cold chain (2–8°C). Urgent or sensitive lots usually fly; large volumes can go by temperature-controlled sea container.
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.
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
- DGDA export approvals; CPP and product registration papers where the importing country requires them
- MSDS/SDS and a dangerous goods declaration for batteries, chemicals, perfumes or aerosols
- LC documents exactly as the credit requires (beneficiary certificate, inspection certificate, etc.); discrepancies can delay payment
Cold chain and special handling
- Choose packaging (passive box or active container) based on the labelled storage temperature.
- Consider temperature risk during tarmac or warehouse dwell in transit.
- Keep temperature data loggers and records for quality assurance.
- Some APIs or solvents may be dangerous goods — check the SDS.
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
- DGDA export approvals
- Importing-country registration / CPP
- Temperature range and packaging
- Data logger
- SDS and DG declaration (if applicable)
FAQ
How do I ship 2–8°C products?
In validated cold chain packaging or active containers, usually by air. Confirm flight connections and ground handling first.
Why is DGDA involved?
The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) regulates medicines in Bangladesh. Get the current list of export approvals and certificates from them.
Can pharma go by sea?
Yes, many room-temperature products go by sea in temperature-controlled containers. It takes longer, so plan stock.
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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