Bangladesh places controls on imports of some items currently listed in the Import Policy Order 2015-2018 at the website of the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports at ccie.gov.bd.
In 2016, the Government of Bangladesh introduced the Import Policy Order of 2015-2018 which remains valid in the absence of a new import policy order. The Order emphasizes easing the import of raw materials for use in export-oriented industries. The country of origin must be noted on all products, product packaging, or containers. However, for imports of coal, cotton, aluminum, and export-oriented garments and industrial-related raw materials, the country of origin is not required. Nuclear radiation tests are mandatory for imported milk, dairy, edible oil, vegetable seeds, grains, and other food products. Such certification should also be submitted to Customs authorities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture office in Dhaka can assist with applications for radiation certificates. Non-commercial importers (individuals and organizations) may import goods worth seven thousand dollars for personal use; with permission, non-commercial importers may import more than seven thousand dollars’ worth of goods. To import abandoned ships (scrap vessels), the exporter or owner must have a certification and the importer must issue a declaration to the effect that “toxic or hazardous waste is not being transported.”
Items banned on religious, social, health, or economic policy grounds include illegal drugs, materials that would offend religious sensitivities, certain agricultural products, and several types of reconditioned equipment. In addition, the importation of goods from Israel and shipment of goods on vessels operating under the Israeli flag are prohibited. Additional items are restricted, but not banned, from import for religious, social, health, security, or trade reasons. Of the restricted items, some may be imported with prior permission, while other items may be imported only by authorized industrial users (e.g., pharmaceutical enterprises) or government agencies (e.g., arms and ammunition).