Starting a trading business can feel overwhelming with so many rules and forms to follow. But if you want to start importing or exporting goods in Bangladesh, the first step is to get the Import Registration Certificate (IRC) and the Export Registration Certificate (ERC). This is the key to trading legally and without restrictions. Knowing exactly how to get an Export-Import license in Bangladesh can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
With the right guidance, you can complete the process smoothly and start your business quickly. In this blog, we will walk you through every step, explain the required documents, and show you how to get your license without any hassle.
By the end, you will feel ready to take your first step into the import-export business in Bangladesh.
What is an Export-Import License?
An export-import license is a legal permission that allows a person or company to import or export goods.
- IRC (Import Registration Certificate) is for importing goods into Bangladesh.
- ERC (Export Registration Certificate) is for exporting goods from Bangladesh.
Without these certificates, you cannot trade officially in Bangladesh.
Advantages of Having IRC and ERC
Having an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) and an Export Registration Certificate (ERC) makes trading much easier. With these certificates, you can import or export any permissible item without worrying about limits on quantity or value.
You do not need to get extra permissions from other government authorities, which saves a lot of time and hassle. The process to get these certificates is simple and fast, and in many cases, you can receive them on the same day after submitting the required documents.
This means you can start your trading business quickly and focus on growing it without unnecessary delays.
Who Issues the License?
Both IRC and ERC are issued by the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E) under the Ministry of Commerce.
- Office Address: NSC Tower, 62/3 Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000
- Phone: +88-02-9553349
- Email: controller.chief@ccie.gov.bd
Who Needs an Export-Import License?
Anyone who wants to:
- Import goods into Bangladesh
- Export goods from Bangladesh
You must apply before starting your trading business.
Here’s How to Get an Export-Import License in Bangladesh
Now, let’s show you the overall process of obtaining the export-import license successfully in Bangladesh.
Different Types of IRC and ERC
Here are the different types of IRC.
- Commercial IRC – This is for regular businesses that want to import goods for trading or selling.
- Multinational IRC – This is for big companies that have branches or partners in multiple countries.
- Industrial IRC (First Adhoc) – This is for new factories or industries importing raw materials for the first time.
- Industrial IRC (Other Adhoc – Second, Third, Regular) – This is for industries that already have an IRC and want to renew it or get additional permissions for more imports.
Each type helps different businesses follow the rules and import smoothly.
Plus, here’s a simple explanation of the types of ERC:
- Multinational ERC – This is for big companies that have branches or partners in multiple countries and export from Bangladesh.
- General ERC – This is for small or new exporters who want a simple certificate to start exporting goods.
Each type helps businesses export smoothly according to their size and structure.
Documents Required for IRC and ERC
Before applying, make sure you have these documents ready:
For Import Registration Certificate (IRC):
- Passport-size photograph of the owner or managing director
- Trade License (valid and updated)
- Membership certificate from a Chamber of Commerce or Trade Association
- Financial solvency certificate from your bank
- Citizenship certificate (NID)
- Treasury Challan
- TIN Certificate
- Partnership Deed (for a partnership company)
- Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum, and Articles of Association (for a limited company)
For Export Registration Certificate (ERC):
- Trade License with the exporter mentioned
- E-TIN and updated tax return
- Certificate from the nominated bank
- Membership certificate from the Chamber of Commerce or a relevant Trade Association
- National Identity (NID or passport)
- Certificate of Incorporation and Form 12 (for a limited company)
- Partnership Deed (for a partnership company)
Note: Make sure the addresses on all documents match your Trade License.
Steps to Get Import Registration Certificate (IRC)
Getting IRC is simple and fast if you follow the steps:
Collect the IRC Form
You can get the form for free from the 3rd floor of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E) office or download it from the official CCI&E website. Take a valid ID with you for verification.
Arrange Your Documents
Gather all required documents, such as Trade License, TIN Certificate, Bank Certificate, and Membership Certificate from the Chamber of Commerce. Make sure every document copy is attested by a First Class Gazetted officer. Correctly prepared documents help avoid delays.
Submit Application
Take the filled IRC form along with all attested documents to the receipt section on the 3rd floor of the CCI&E office. Make sure everything is complete before submitting.
Deposit Registration Fee
After submitting your application, deposit the registration fee at the Bangladesh Bank or Sonali Bank. Collect three copies of the Treasury Challan. These copies are very important as proof of payment.
Get Office Entry Number
CCI&E will provide an office entry number with an official stamp after submission. Keep this number safe; it helps track your application.
Receive Certificate and Passbook
Once the documents and fee are verified, CCI&E will issue your IRC along with the passbook. Now you can legally import goods into Bangladesh.
Renewal of IRC:
IRC needs to be renewed annually.
- Required: Old IRC, passbook, and Treasury Challan.
- Deposit Renewal Fee – Pay the annual renewal fee at the Bangladesh Bank or your nominated bank.
- Submit – Submit one copy of the Treasury Challan along with the expired IRC at CCI&E or at the bank counter.
- Collect Renewed IRC – After processing, you will get the renewed IRC. Now you can continue importing without any interruption.
Steps to Get Export Registration Certificate (ERC)
ERC is required to start exporting legally. You can apply online through OLM (Online Licensing Module):
- Log in to OLM – If new, register using Name, Email, Mobile, Address, and Password.
- Select ERC – From the dashboard.
- Fill Application Form – Fill all fields marked with a red star.
- Attach Documents – Color scan all required documents.
- Pay Fees Online – Use debit/credit card, bank transfer, or mobile banking.
- Submit Application – Confirm submission on OLM.
- Receive ERC – You will get an SMS notification, then print the certificate from your OLM account.
Fee: 10,000 BDT + 15% VAT
Processing Time: 3 working days
If you plan to bring a foreign business here, check my guide on how to register a foreign company in Bangladesh.
Fees for IRC and ERC
IRC Fee (Category-based for importers):
| Category | Annual Import Ceiling | Registration Fee | Renewal Fee |
| 1 | 500,000 BDT | 5,000 BDT | 3,000 BDT |
| 2 | 2,500,000 BDT | 10,000 BDT | 6,000 BDT |
| 3 | 5,000,000 BDT | 18,000 BDT | 10,000 BDT |
| 4 | 10,000,000 BDT | 30,000 BDT | 15,000 BDT |
| 5 | 50,000,000 BDT | 45,000 BDT | 22,000 BDT |
| 6 | Above 50,000,000 | 60,000 BDT | 30,000 BDT |
ERC Fee:
| Type | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
| Exporter | 7,000 BDT | 5,000 BDT |
| Indentor | 40,000 BDT | 20,000 BDT |
Export Process After ERC
Once you have ERC, you can start exporting:
- Collect ERC from CCI&E
- Prepare a Proforma Invoice for the buyer
- Receive Letter of Credit (L/C) from buyer’s bank
- Arrange export finance if needed
- Produce goods and maintain quality control
- Collect required certificates like:
- Health Certificate
- Phyto-sanitary Certificate
- Quarantine Certificate
- Country of Origin Certificate
- Contact shipping or freight agents
- Prepare the Bill of Export / Shipping Bill and submit it to customs
- Ship goods (usually FOB)
- Send export documents to the buyer’s bank
- Receive payment and Profit Realization Certificate (PRC)
Need Help With Your Export Import License? Get Expert Legal Support From Nashir Ahmed Kushol
If you feel the export-import license steps look confusing or you want everything done fast without mistakes, I can help you. I am Nashir Ahmed Kushol, a company lawyer in Bangladesh with over ten years of real field experience, and my team handles IRC, ERC, RJSC filings, taxation, compliance, and all business setup work every day.
Just talk to me, share what you want to do, and I will guide you in a simple way and complete all the legal steps for you so you can focus on your business instead of paperwork.
If you need smooth, safe, and hassle-free support for your export-import process, feel free to contact me today.
Wrapping Up
So, coming to this point, hopefully, you now know how to get an Export-Import license in Bangladesh. Getting an Export-Import License in Bangladesh is simple if you follow the right steps. Collect and prepare all required documents, complete the IRC and ERC processes carefully, and pay the necessary fees. Once you have your licenses, you can legally import and export goods. Along with the licenses, proper planning, choosing the right products, and following trade rules are super important to growing your business successfully in the international market.
Besides, if interested, for a full idea from zero, you can see how to start a business in Bangladesh.
