1. The exporter prepares a price quote and terms of trade. A Proforma Invoice is then sent to the importer for approval. If modifications are required, the document is returned to the exporter for the necessary amendments. 2. Once both parties agree on the terms, the importer confirms an intent to purchase. A Letter of Credit (L/C) is then opened by the importer and forwarded to the exporter’s nominated bank in Bangladesh. 3. The process of communication between the buyer and the exporter is mainly through exchange of emails. If required, however, supporting documents are sent through courier services.
1. The exporter requests a space with a shipping line. In most cases, an email is sent to the shipping line with details of the shipment. 2. Based on the request, the shipping line issues a draft Bill of Lading for consideration by the client. 3. Based on the document and confirmation by the shipping line, the exporter schedules pick-up and delivery of the container with the inland haulage company. 4. A booking confirmation is then issued by the latter and this document is kept by both the parties for executing of further activities.
1. The exporter applies to an insurance company for an Insurance Certificate (policy) for the consignment. 2. This step involves submission of a completed Cargo Insurance Application Form supported by copies of the L/C, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Transport Contract and Draft Bill of Lading. 3. Upon finding the application complete, the insurance company issues an Insurance Policy in favour of the exporter, who then pays the premium.
1. Depending on the buyer’s requirement, the exporter (manufacturer) requests the authorised inspection agency to visit the manufacturing plant and inspect the quality of the product. 2. A request letter is sent to the agency along with copies of the Proforma Invoice, Packing List and Lab Test Report. 3. The inspector(s) then visit the factory, collect samples and performs the inspection. If any problem is found with the product, the exporter is asked to rectify it. 4. Once the inspector is satisfied with the product quality, an Inspection Certificate is issued and supplied to the manufacturer.
1. The CFA submits the online Bill of Entry on the Customs Department website. This is a member only service where the CFA is required to log in with a unique member identification number and password. 2. Submitting the BE requires the agent to provide electronic copies of a number of supporting documents including the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, EXP Form, Generalised System of Preferences Certificate (in some cases), Certificate of Origin, Insurance Certificate, and UD. Customs authorities then verify the documents and issue a ‘C’ Number upon finding the document satisfactory. 3. The exporter’s agent then acknowledges receipt of the ‘C’ Number and makes a print out of the acknowledgement receipt for conducting customs clearance at a later date.
1. As per the transport contract, the inland haulage company collects the goods from the factory premises and transports them to the port. In a normal situation, it takes between eight and 10 hours for a consignment to reach Chittagong Port from Dhaka. 2. On arrival, the CFA requests entry of the vehicle into the port area (or if the goods are to be taken to a private container terminal, the vehicle goes directly to the private depot). 3. The Port Authority or Private Depot then records details of the truck/container and issues an entry pass allowing the truck/container to enter the controlled area. The date and time of entry of the truck/container is officially recorded. 4. The goods are then taken to the designated area where cargo inspection is to take place.
1. Once the raw materials arrive in Bangladesh, the Bangladeshi exporter starts preparing the documents which will be required for exporting the final product. Completing the Export (EXP) Form is the initial step. 2. This format of this Form was developed by the Bangladesh Bank. The exporters’ banks supply the Form in the prescribed format to their clients. 3. Generally, exporters collect several copies of the Form from the banks with a view to avoiding procedural delays (i.e. collecting a new form each time) for every shipment. 4. After filling in the Form manually (using a typewriter), a number of supporting documents are attached to it. These include the Commercial Invoice, Utilisation Declaration (UD), Packing List, Insurance Certificate and a copy of the L/C. The UD is obtained from the office of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA).
1. The Shipping Agent coordinates handling of the container at the terminal and moves it to the berth area with permission from the Port Authority. It is the responsibility of the Shipping Agent to prepare a Container Loading List and a Container List Message to be used for berthing the container and stowing it on the designated vessel in a coordinated manner. 2. While the container is in the process of being stowed onto the vessel, the Shipping Agent prepares the final Bill of Lading which is supplied to the CFA. 3. An export Manifest is also prepared and submitted to customs to obtain clearance to export the goods. 4. Parallel to this process, the Port Authority prepares a list of outward-going containers to be stowed on the vessel and ensures that the Shipping Line verifies the list. 5. Once all these activities are completed and the cargo Release Order is received from customs, the ship sets sail as per schedule.
1. The CFA submits a copy of the ‘C’ Number Acknowledgement Receipt to customs along with hard copies of all the supporting documents. 2. Customs then retrieves information from the previously lodged online declaration and cross checks with the documents received from the CFA. 3. An inspector is then authorised to inspect the cargo and certify compliance with the declaration. If any misconduct is found, export of the shipment is stopped and a case is filed against the exporter. If no discrepancy in found, customs issues a Shipping Bill and seals the container. 4. The CFA then receives the Shipping Bill on behalf of the exporter and signs the EXP Form, a copy of which is kept by customs.
1. The woven garment exporter in Bangladesh needs to obtain a Certificate of Origin (CO) and the SAPTA Combined Declaration Certificate (generally known as the SAPTA Certificate). 2. The CO is issued by the BGMEA upon receipt of a formal application supported by copies of the Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Insurance Certificate (Insurance Policy) and Packing List. 3. Parallel to this activity, the exporter also applies to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) for the SAPTA Certificate. 4. Upon finding the evidence satisfactory, both the authorities issue their respective certificates in favour of the applicant.
1. As soon as the documents for the importer are ready, these are submitted to the exporter’s bank by the exporter. 2. The bank verifies all the documents against the conditions laid down in the initial L/C sent by the importer’s bank. If any discrepancy is found, the exporter is notified and is required to resubmit the documentation, ensuring rectification of the problem. Once the documents are found to be fully compliant with the L/C conditions, the exporter’s bank forwards the documents to the L/C issuing bank in the importing country. 3. The importer’s bank then transfers the payment to the exporter’s bank, which then notifies the exporter of the deposit of the payment in the exporter’s account. The exporter then collects the payment.
1. Based on a buyer’s expression of interest to enter into a business deal, the exporter prepares a price quote and terms of trade. A Proforma Invoice is then sent to the importer for approval. If modifications are required, the document is returned to the exporter for the necessary amendments. 2. Once both parties agree on the terms, the importer confirms an intent to purchase. An L/C is then opened by the importer and forwarded to the exporter’s nominated bank in Bangladesh. 3. The process of communication between the buyer and the exporter is mainly through exchange of emails. If required, however, supporting documents are sent through courier services.
1. The exporter determines the quantity of shrimp to be procured from the local supplier(s). Having one or more preferred suppliers of shrimp is a common practice in the shrimp exporting business. 2. Generally, the suppliers’ firms are located within the vicinity of the exporter’s factory. 3. Based on the quantity, a price quote is served by the exporter to the supplier. Upon agreement on the terms and conditions, the supplier confirms an intent to supply and signs a contract with the exporter. 4. Once the delivery is made to the exporter’s premises, the exporter requests its bank to make payment to the shrimp supplier. For this, a copy of the sales contract and the supplier’s invoice are submitted to the bank. 5. The bank adjusts this payment at the end of the business cycle when final payment is received from the overseas buyer.
1. The exporter requests a space with a shipping line. In most cases, an email is sent to the shipping line with details of the shipment. 2. Based on the request, the shipping line issues a Draft Bill of Lading for consideration by the client. 3. Based on the document and confirmation by the shipping line, the exporter schedules pick-up and delivery of the container with the inland haulage company. 4. A booking confirmation is then issued by the latter and this document is kept by both the parties for executing of further activities.
1. This is a voluntary step, which is undertaken by the exporter on ad hoc basis. To obtain insurance, the exporter lodges an application with the insurance company, along with copies of the Commercial Invoice, L/C, Packing List and cargo Booking Confirmation. Based on satisfactory documentary evidence, the insurance company issues a policy. The exporter then pays the premium to the company.
1. The exporter initially conducts sample tests of the shrimp in its own laboratory, which is located within the warehouse premises. 2. A request letter is then forwarded to the Fish Inspection and Quality Control (FIQC) of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) to conduct quality inspection and issue a Health Certificate. 3. Supporting documents supplied with the application are the Proforma Invoice, Packing List and Lab Test Report. 4. Once the completed application is received by the FIQC, an inspector visits the warehouse and assesses the quality control facilities available at the warehouse. If the inspector is not satisfied, it is the responsibility of the exporter to put in place the necessary equipment and ensure hygiene within the factory. 5. The whole application process will then need to be repeated. On the other hand, if the inspector is satisfied with the overall environment of the factory, the inspector collects samples of the shrimps to conduct bacteria and antibiotic tests. 6. While the bacteria test is generally done in the regional FIQC office (in this case, the FIQC Khulna office) and takes between 10 and 15 days, the antibiotic test is usually carried out at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) in Dhaka and takes between 15 and 20 days. 7. If the samples fail any of the tests, the exporter is asked to rectify the issue and reapply. On the other hand, if the results are satisfactory, a Quality Certificate is issued on the products tested, which is forwarded to the exporter.
1. The agent submits the online Bill of Entry on the custom’s website. 2. Submitting the BE requires the agent to provide electronic copies of a number of supporting documents including the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, EXP Form, GSP Certificate (in some cases), Certificate of Origin and Insurance Certificate (Insurance Policy). Customs authorities then verify the documents and issue a ‘C’ Number upon finding the document satisfactory. 3. The exporter’s agent then acknowledges receipt of the ‘C’ Number and makes a print out of the acknowledgement receipt for conducting customs clearance at a later date.
1. As per the transport contract, the inland haulage company collects the goods from the factory premises and transports them to the port. In a normal situation, it takes between eight and 10 hours for a consignment to reach Chittagong Port from Dhaka. 2. On arrival, the CFA requests entry of the vehicle into the port area (or if the goods are to be taken to a private container terminal, the vehicle goes directly to the private depot). 3. The Port Authority or Private Depot then records details of the truck/container and issues an entry pass allowing the truck/container to enter the controlled area. 4. The date and time of entry of the truck/container is officially recorded. The goods are then taken to the designated area where cargo inspection is to take place.
1. Firstly, the exporter fills in the EXP Form and then requests a Packer’s Certificate from the relevant industry association, which, in this case, is the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters’ Association (BFFEA) in Dhaka. This document, along with the EXP Form, Commercial Invoice, Quality Certificate, L/C, and Packing List are then compiled by the exporter to lodge a customs declaration.
1. The Shipping Agent coordinates handling of the container at the terminal and moves it to the berth area with permission from the Port Authority. It is the responsibility of the Shipping Agent to prepare a Container Loading List and a Container List Message to be used for berthing the container and stowing it on the designated vessel in a coordinated manner. 2. While the container is in the process of being stowed onto the vessel, the Shipping Agent prepares the final Bill of Lading which is supplied to the CFA. 3. An export Manifest is also prepared and submitted to customs to obtain clearance to export the goods. 4. Parallel to this process, the Port Authority prepares a list of outward-going containers to be stowed on the vessel and ensures that the Shipping Line verifies the list. 5. Once all these activities are completed and the cargo release order is received from customs, the ship sets sail as per schedule.
1. The exporter collates all the documents that will be needed by the importer to receive the consignment in the importing country. The Certificate of Origin is obtained from the local Chamber of Commerce and the GSP Certificate is issued by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) upon finding the evidence satisfactory.
1. As soon as the documents for the importer are ready, these are submitted to the exporter’s bank by the exporter. 2. The bank verifies all the documents against the conditions laid down in the initial L/C sent by the importer’s bank. If any discrepancy is found, the exporter is notified and is required to resubmit the documentation, ensuring rectification of the problem. 3. Once the documents are found to be fully compliant with the L/C conditions, the exporter’s bank forwards the documents to the L/C issuing bank in the importing country. 4. The importer’s bank then transfers the payment to the exporter’s bank, which then notifies the exporter of the deposit of the payment in the exporter’s account. The exporter then collects the payment.
-Bangladeshi Buyer is interested in purchasing textiles from an Indian Supplier
1.Based on the terms of the contract with the ultimate buyer of the RMG products, the RMG manufacturer in Bangladesh enters into a buying contract with an Indian exporter of cotton fabric who quotes the price and sends a Proforma Invoice for consideration by the Bangladeshi counterpart. If modifications are required, the document is returned to the exporter for necessary amendments. 2.Once both the parties agree on the terms, the importer from Bangladesh confirms intent to purchase. 3.An L/C is then opened by the importer and forwarded to the exporter’s nominated bank in India. The process of communication between the buyer and the exporter is mainly through exchange of emails and over the phone. If required, however, supporting documents are sent through courier services.
-Commercial Invoice, truck Challan, Packing List, and Insurance Certificate from Exporter and Import
1. Collect and endorse documents for import . Once the exporter in India forwards the Commercial Invoice, Truck Challan, Packing List and Insurance Certificate to the importer in Bangladesh, the latter collects the Import (IMP) Form from its bank and also gets all the documentation endorsed by the bank. 2.Prepare other import documents. For import of cotton fabric, the documentation required includes the Utilisation Declaration (UD), which is issued by the business chamber, the BGMEA. This is a mandatory document to import raw materials for the RMG sector. 3.Copies of these documents are then forwarded to the CFA to lodge a customs declaration some time well ahead of the arrival of the consignment at the port.
1. Importer's CFA visit the Direct Trader Input (DTI) office at the Benapole Customs House. 2. The CFA submits the declaration document to the data entry operator at the DTI who then keys the details of the shipment on the Bill of Entry form. 3. After the data is entered, a "C" number is issued against the Bill of Entry. 4. A hard copy is then printed out and verified by the customs officer who then signs the document and specifies the duty to be paid 5. The CFA receives the doment and waits for the consignment to arrive at the customs area
Goods are unloaded at the customs area and inspection is carried out by the customs officials to confirm compliance with the Bill of Entry. If no misconduct is found, customs signs the UD and issues a Release Order from the customs controlled area.
1. The goods are loaded on the importer’s truck and taken out of the customs area for transportation to the importer’s premises. 2. At the gate of the customs area, the date and time of exit of the cargo is recorded and the truck is then allowed to move out of the port area. 3. Once the cargo reaches the importer’s premises, goods are unloaded and stored in the warehouse.
1. Having found the imported cotton fabrics as per the contract conditions, the importer directs the designated bank in Bangladesh to proceed with the payment. 2. The bank verifies the documents against the L/C terms. If no misconduct is found, the funds are transferred to the exporter’s bank in India.
-Bangladeshi Buyer is interested in purchasing sugar from a Thailand Supplier
1.The importer in Bangladesh enters into a formal contract with the exporter from Thailand. 2.Upon mutual agreement with regard to the price and quality of the raw sugar, a Proforma Invoice is issued by the exporter. 3.Based on that, the importer from Bangladesh opens an L/C with a local bank. 4. The bank then forwards the L/C to the exporter’s bank in Thailand.
-Exporter sends commercial invoice, bill of lading, health certificate, radiation certificate and insurance to importer
1.Once the exporter in India sends the Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Health Certificate, Radiation Certificate and Insurance Certificate to the importer in Bangladesh, the importer collects the IMP Form from its bank and has all the documentation endorsed by the bank.
1. The importer's CFA submits the online Bill of Entry on the customs website. 2. Customs officers verify the documents and issue a "C" Number upon finding the documents satifactory. 3. The exporter's agent acknowledges receipt of the "C" Number and makes a print out of the acknowledgement receipt for conducting customs clearance at a later date.
1. The CFA submits a copy of the ‘C’ Number Acknowledgement Receipt to customs along with hard copies of all the supporting documents 2. Customs then retrieves the information from the previously lodged online declaration and cross checks with the documents provided by the CFA 3. An inspector is then authorised to inspect the cargo and certify compliance with the declaration. If any misconduct is found, a case is filed against the importer. However, if no discrepancy in found, customs issues a Release Order.
Upon receiving the Release Order
1. Upon receiving the Release Order from Customs, the CFA gives this document to the Shipping Agency, which then arranges for the raw sugar to be unloaded from the Mother Vessel (MV) and loaded on the Lighterage. This involves obtaining permission from the Port Authority and requires requesting the Port Authority to supply the equipment needed to unload and reload the raw sugar. 2. Once this process is completed, permission from the port authority is sought to move the Lighterage out of the port area. 3. Once the exit permit is obtained, the Lighterage carries the raw sugar to the importer’s factory via waterways. 4. When the Lighterage arrives at the jetty of the importer, the raw sugar is unloaded and stored in the importer’s factory.
1. Having received the imported sugar as per the contract conditions, the importer directs the designated bank in Bangladesh to proceed with the payment. 2. The bank verifies the documents against the L/C terms. If no misconduct is found, the funds are transferred to the exporter’s bank in Thailand.