The Bangladesh government has approved the draft Import Policy Order 2025–2028, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s overall trade framework and enhancing export performance.
The approval was granted by the Council of Advisers at its weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The outcomes of the meeting were later briefed to the media by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at the Foreign Service Academy.
Explaining the rationale behind the policy, Alam said the country’s export performance depended significantly on how effectively import policies were designed to support export-oriented activities. He noted that, in many cases, import policies needed to facilitate the entry of exportable goods and essential inputs, enabling them to be processed domestically and subsequently exported.
He stated that the draft Import Policy Order had been discussed in detail at the meeting and, following extensive deliberations, had received approval. He added that the new policy was expected to significantly improve trade facilitation by expanding the use of electronic systems for the collection of customs duties and taxes, which could contribute to higher overall revenue collection.
Alam further said the policy would introduce enhanced risk management in import cargo clearance and strengthen post-clearance audit mechanisms. Under the new provisions, if the initial testing of imported goods yielded adverse results, importers would be allowed to apply for a second test, a facility that had not previously been available.
According to the press secretary, the approved policy was also expected to improve the ease of doing business in Bangladesh. He observed that both domestic and foreign businesses had frequently raised concerns about the country’s business environment, and said the implementation of the new import policy was expected to make the environment more supportive, thereby contributing to higher export growth.
Under the revised framework, export-oriented industries—including ready-made garments, leather and leather products, footwear, shipbuilding, furniture and furnishing—will be permitted to import essential raw materials free of cost. Alam said this measure was expected to significantly enhance export opportunities across these sectors.
