The Benapole Customs House has introduced 11 new conditions for businesses engaging in export and import activities through the port, effective from January 12.
These measures aim to streamline operations, improve compliance, and reduce tax evasion while fostering a business-friendly environment.
As part of the new regulations, the customs house has categorized 12 types of imported goods as high-risk for potential customs evasion. These items will now require mandatory physical inspections. The identified goods include clothing, motor parts for various vehicles, electronics, cosmetics, imitation jewelry, machinery, medical equipment, and mixed consignments.
The customs house issued the directives in an official order signed by Customs Commissioner Md Kamruzzaman on January 6. The order emphasized the need to enhance the use of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) to monitor trade activities and enforce compliance. Customs officials have been instructed to conduct regular inspections of high-risk institutions, verify harmonized system codes, and scrutinize product consignments. Additionally, they are tasked with monitoring revenue collection, detecting irregularities, and taking necessary legal action against smuggling.
For export shipments, new requirements mandate physical inspections for consignments exceeding a value of $40,000 or containing over 20,000 ready-made garments, such as shirts, pants, and t-shirts. These inspections aim to ensure that the declared goods align with the actual items being shipped.
Other measures include the submission of the import general manifest and the Bill of Entry lock, as advised by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate and other agencies. These changes will remain in effect until further notice.
Benapole Port plays a critical role in Bangladesh's trade, handling 80 percent of imports from India via land routes and facilitating exports to India and third countries. The new regulations are expected to strengthen oversight and improve the efficiency of operations at this key trading hub.
