Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced a comprehensive import trade framework for the country’s upcoming Free Trade Zones (FTZs), paving the way for smoother trade operations as Bangladesh prepares to establish its first FTZs near Anwara, Chattogram, and Matarbari Deep-Sea Port.
The new guidelines authorize Authorised Dealers (ADs) and Offshore Banking Units (OBUs) of commercial banks to facilitate all FTZ-related import transactions in accordance with the country’s foreign exchange regulations.
Under the framework, only manufacturing companies, authorised trading firms, and logistics service providers operating within FTZs will be permitted to import goods into the designated zones.
The move follows the government’s recent approval of Free Trade Zones as part of a broader strategy to reduce export lead times, attract international suppliers, strengthen supply chain efficiency, and position Bangladesh as a regional logistics and manufacturing hub.
According to Bangladesh Bank, manufacturers and traders operating in FTZs will be allowed to import raw materials, intermediate goods, machinery, and other products for storage, warehousing, distribution, or production. Goods imported on a consignment basis may remain in the zones for 48 to 60 months, allowing businesses greater flexibility in inventory management.
Under the consignment model, ownership of imported goods will remain with the foreign supplier until the products are either sold to buyers or used in manufacturing. Bangladesh Bank clarified that banks will not classify such goods as inventory or assume financial exposure until ownership is officially transferred.
The central bank also stated that purchases made by domestic buyers from FTZ enterprises will be treated as imports, while sales by FTZ businesses will be regarded as exports for the seller and imports for the buyer, requiring full compliance with Bangladesh’s import and export procedures.
All transactions under the framework must be settled in freely convertible foreign currencies, ensuring consistency with international trade and foreign exchange practices.
Bangladesh Bank further specified that usance imports, including buyer’s credit and supplier’s credit facilities, will be permitted for a maximum period of 270 days, within which import payments must be completed.
To safeguard financial stability and regulatory compliance, the central bank has instructed banks to conduct comprehensive due diligence on FTZ clients. Financial institutions must verify ownership structures, assess agreements with foreign suppliers, evaluate production and sales cycles, and ensure that all financing is supported by appropriate documentation linked to genuine trade transactions.
A senior Bangladesh Bank official said the framework was prepared following recommendations from a committee formed by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), chaired by Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, to ensure the financial system is fully prepared before the FTZs become operational.
Development of the Anwara Free Trade Zone is expected to begin this year, while the Matarbari FTZ is scheduled to be developed between 2030 and 2033, alongside the expansion of the deep-sea port.
The new framework is expected to facilitate international trade, improve logistics efficiency, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness as an emerging regional manufacturing and export hub.
