Export License (ERC)

The Export Registration Certificate (ERC), commonly referred to as an export license, is a mandatory document for business entities intending to export special items. While any permissible item can be exported without value or quantity restrictions and without obtaining prior permission, an ERC (or import license for imports) is a prerequisite for regulatory compliance. In Bangladesh, the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCIE), an organization operating under the Ministry of Commerce, is the authority responsible for issuing this Export Certificate or Export License. Ultimately, the ERC serves as a compulsory authorization for businesses desirous of exporting specific items from Bangladesh.

Step 3: Submit the application form along with supporting documents and an attested recent passport-size photograph of the applicant at the receipt room (3rd floor of CIE) by 4 p.m. Collect the application registration number.

The following documents must be submitted: • Attested photocopy of a valid Trade License. • Attested photocopy of the membership certificate from the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry or relevant Trade Association. • Original copy of the Treasury Chalan. • For Partnership Business: Certified attested copy of the Partnership Deed. • For Limited Company: Certified attested copies of the Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association, and Memorandum of Association. To facilitate the verification of submitted copies, applicants are requested to provide the original documents, which will be returned upon completion of the process.

Stage-01: Application Filing Submit the application form alongside the prescribed fee to the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCIE). Any entity is eligible to file an application for obtaining the Export Registration Certificate (ERC). Stage-02: Receive the Certificate Upon checking the submitted documents and completing formalities, the office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports will issue the license in favor of the applicant.

The ERC is required to be renewed annually. The estimated processing time for renewal is 4-5 working days. Required Documents for Renewal: • Original copy of ERC and ERC Passbook. • Renewal Application by the applicant. • Treasury Challan of the annual renewal fee deposited at Bangladesh Bank or Sonali Bank (Original copy and two sets of photocopies). Additional Renewal Documents to Arrange: • Membership Certificate from a recognized Chamber/Trade Association (Original). • Valid Trade License (Original). • eTIN Certificate and VAT Registration Certificate. • Bank Certificate. • Memorandum and Articles of Association (for Limited Companies). • Certificate of Incorporation (for Limited Companies). • Partnership Deed (for Partnership Firms). • Office Rent Deed. • Two copies of the applicant's photograph. • NID/Passport of the applicant. • Any other documents as required. Note: All documents require 2 extra sets duly attested by a First Class Gazetted Officer, Notary Public, or First Class Magistrate. The official/government fees for renewal are the same as mentioned in the fee schedule (BDT 8,050).

For the issuance of an ERC, the following are required: • Passport size photograph of the applicant. • Valid Trade License. • Valid Membership Certificate from a regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry or relevant Trade Associations. • Citizenship Certificate of the applicant. • Treasury Challan. • TIN Certificate. • Partnership Deed. • Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum, and Articles of Association. • Financial Solvency Certificate.

The applicant is required to collect the IRC Form from the CCI&E office or website and submit the filled-in form along with supporting documents to the Dispatch Section of the CCI&E office. The registration fee and pass-book cost should be deposited at Bangladesh Bank or Sonali Bank, and three (3) copies of the Treasury Challan shall be collected. To receive the Import Registration Certificate, the applicant needs to submit the filled-in application form along with the listed supporting documents and Treasury Challan at the CCI&E office. Time Limit: The estimated processing time for the issuance of ERC is four to five working days.

• What is the cost of an Export License in Bangladesh? The fee for an Export license is BDT 10,000, while the annual renewal fee is set at BDT 5,000. • What is the procedure to obtain an Export permit? You must adhere to the standard exportation protocols outlined by the Bureau of Customs. • What is the necessity of an export permit? It is mandatory for shipping goods that are manufactured locally or products on which local VAT has already been paid.