The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association urged the Customs Bond Commissionerate, Dhaka (North), to simplify bond-related services and provide policy support in order to sustain the global competitiveness of the country鈥檚 ready-made garment industry.
In this regard, a three-member BGMEA delegation led by its director, Faisal Samad, met Commissioner Mia Md Abu Obaida at his office.聽
The meeting followed a similar discussion held on September 8, when a BGMEA delegation met Commissioner Mohammad Hasmat Ali of the Customs Bond Commissionerate, Dhaka (South), to press the same issues.
During Tuesday鈥檚 meeting, Faisal Samad handed over a letter signed by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, urging policy support and simplification of customs bond processes for the RMG sector, according to a press release.
鈥楾he discussions centered on removing bottlenecks and ensuring faster, easier, and hassle-free customs processes to strengthen the industry鈥檚 competitiveness,鈥� Faisal said after the meeting.
The BGMEA delegation stressed the need to simplify annual audit procedures for exporters, expedite the settlement of back-to-back LCs revised before June 30, 2022, make bond register maintenance easier through CBMS software, and remove conditions such as cutting supervision based solely on suspicion.
They also called for a simpler process to add HS codes to bond licenses.
Moreover, BGMEA recommended easing raw material imports under FOC (free-of-charge) arrangements, eliminating VAT-related harassment when non-bonded facilities provide services like washing and printing, keeping transactions between bonded indirect exporters and non-bonded direct exporters hassle-free, and streamlining subcontracting activities.
Two general members of BGMEA who attended the meeting shared practical challenges faced by their companies, which were reviewed for possible solutions.
BGMEA further proposed reconstituting a joint working committee with representatives from all customs houses, bond commissionerates, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Customs Intelligence Department to address both short- and long-term challenges through coordinated efforts.
Commissioner Mia Md Abu Obaida assured the delegation that steps have already been taken to make customs services faster and more efficient.
鈥楢ny issues will be resolved quickly through regular dialogue with BGMEA,鈥� he said, pledging full cooperation in creating a business-friendly environment and facilitating RMG exports.
Additional commissioner Edip Billa, deputy commissioner HM Ahsanul Kabir of the customs, were also present at the meeting.
