The government introduced a digital system that enables importers, exporters, and clearing and forwarding agents to deposit customs duties and taxes directly into the government鈥簊 treasury via a-chalan, an automated online payment platform.
The National Board of Revenue and the Finance Division jointly launched the system at the beginning of the new fiscal year (FY26) to streamline revenue collection, ensure transparency, and expedite the unloading and release of goods from ports, according to a press release.
According to a press release, under the system, NBR鈥檚 Asycuda World customs platform has been integrated with the Finance Division鈥檚 iBAS++ system, allowing taxpayers to pay their duties directly from the bank account鈥攂oth online and offline.
Earlier, payments made through the RTGS method used to take several days to be deposited with the treasury, causing delays and financial losses for the government. Now, payments made through a-chalan at any time of the day are instantly credited to the treasury, enabling the government to utilize the funds immediately.聽
With this integration, importers can now pay taxes digitally using internet banking, debit or credit cards, and mobile financial services, the press release added.
The NBR stated that training for importers, exporters, C&F agents, and customs officials at Chattogram Customs House was completed on July 1-2, 2025, and the system went live on July 3.聽
On the very first day, more than Taka 13 crore was deposited successfully into the treasury against 75 bills of entry through Sonali Bank and other scheduled banks.
Earlier, pilot runs of the system were conducted at ICD Kamalapur on April 23, 2025, and subsequently at Pangaon Customs House. Chattogram became the third customs station to implement it.
According to the NBR, Dhaka Customs House and all other customs houses across the country will adopt the a-chalan system from July 7.
Officials stated that the system would ensure transparency in revenue collection, simplify the process for taxpayers, and enhance the government鈥簊 financial discipline.
