Bangladesh allows private labs to conduct chemical testing of imported goods under new NBR order

The National Revenue Board moves to cut delays by approving ISO and BAB accredited facilities

The National Revenue Board (NBR) has permitted the chemical testing of imported goods at private laboratories to safeguard public health, public safety, and the environment while accelerating port clearance.

To qualify for these operations, private facilities must hold certifications from both the Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and strictly adhere to BAB-approved testing methodologies.

Earlier, chemical tests of imported products were conducted only at customs laboratories or designated government facilities.

The NBR said the move has been taken to simplify business operations and reduce the time required for testing imported product samples.

The regulatory order was enacted on Thursday, matching the day Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in parliament.

Customs authorities routinely subject imported goods to rigorous chemical testing to intercept hazardous materials, enforce intellectual property rights, ensure statutory compliance with import policy orders, and verify the accuracy of declarations submitted by importers.

Previously, these tests were carried out only in customs laboratories or selected government, semi-government and autonomous institution labs, most of which are located in Dhaka.

NBR noted that transporting samples, particularly from major ports such as Chattogram, to Dhaka labs often causes delays in receiving test reports, leading to additional costs for businesses and delays in cargo clearance.

It said limitations in existing laboratory capacity have resulted in delays in obtaining test results and, in some cases, delays in goods clearance.

Following complaints from businesses after the BNP government came to power, the finance minister directed authorities to establish private laboratories in Chattogram so that importers could test their goods locally.

However, the order clarified that where the Import Policy Order specifies designated authorities or laboratories for certain products, those requirements will remain applicable and such goods must still be tested by the specified institutions.