Bangladesh introduces standalone regulations for C&F agent licensing

The move replaces a long-standing arrangement under customs agent rules, aiming to modernise licensing procedures

Bangladesh has introduced a separate set of regulations for issuing customs clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent licences for services provided to importers and exporters.

Until now, C&F agent licences had been issued under the “Customs Agent Licensing Rules, 2020”, as no standalone framework existed for the sector.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) repealed the old rules and issued the “Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agent Licensing Rules, 2026”, according to a media statement on Wednesday.

The revenue authority said the rules aim to “raise service standards in a competitive environment and make C&F agent operations more efficient and modern”.

KEY PROVISIONS

• Prior NBR approval is no longer required to set the number of C&F licences per customs station. All candidates who pass the licensing exam are eligible for a licence.

• The licensing process through regular examinations will be completed each year within a fixed period.

• Licences issued for agents at a customs station will remain valid even if the station closes. Licence holders may conduct clearing and forwarding operations at any active customs station through area consolidation.