The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued approximately 25,000 usage permits (UPs) online in the first two and a half months of the current year. This milestone, confirmed in a recent press release by the board, represents a significant stride towards streamlining import and export processes while providing industries with smoother access to duty-free raw materials.
Automated Customs Bond System Enhances Efficiency
Since 1 January 2025, NBR has implemented an automated software system known as the “Customs Bond Management System.” Through this platform, licensed bonded warehouse operators can now request permits for duty-free raw materials entirely online, reducing the necessity of visiting customs bond commissioner offices in person.
The system is integrated with the Bangladesh Bank’s online platform, enabling rapid verification of import-export documentation. From 1 January 2026, all permit issuance and related services have been mandated to operate under this automated framework, making the process faster, more transparent, and user-friendly.
Currently, three customs bond commissionerates under NBR are providing all usage permits through the online system.
Online Permit Statistics
From 1 January to 16 March 2026, a total of 24,963 permits were issued online. Compared to the same period in the previous year, this online system has considerably reduced both processing time and associated costs.
| Period | Number of UPs Issued | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan – 16 Mar 2026 | 24,963 | Entirely online process |
Benefits and Coordinated Operations
According to NBR, the service’s effectiveness has been enhanced through close coordination with bonded industries, Bangladesh Bank, the Directorate of Customs Valuation and Refunds, and trade associations such as BGMEA and BKMEA.
The introduction of online permit issuance has enabled industries to save significant time and expenditure, thereby energising export trade and improving the investment climate. By removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, it has fostered a more competitive and transparent industrial environment.
Looking ahead, NBR plans to fully automate all customs administration services, including bond audits, to ensure a modern, transparent, and efficient system. This initiative is expected to strengthen the competitiveness and credibility of Bangladesh’s industrial and trade sectors.
Ultimately, the NBR’s online permit system is being hailed as a transformative development for domestic industries, marking a new era of convenience, speed, and regulatory clarity.