Applying and Obtaining COO from Export Promotion Authorities
Lesson Contents Overview
Learning Objectives
Comprehensive Technical GuidanceTextbook & Training SOP
1. The Statutory Role of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB)
In Bangladesh, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) operates under the Ministry of Commerce as the sole designated government authority empowered to issue statutory Preferential Certificates of Origin for:
- GSP Form A: Japan, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Belarus.
- SAFTA COO: India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan.
- APTA COO: China, South Korea.
- TPS-OIC COO: Islamic Trade Preferential Scheme.
2. Step-by-Step EPB Application SOP
[ Step 1: Export Feeder Vessel Departs Port & Ocean Carrier Issues B/L ]
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[ Step 2: C&F Agent Delivers Customs-Certified Shipping Bill (Bill of Export) ]
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[ Step 3: Commercial Officer Logs into EPB Digital System & Enters File Data ]
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[ Step 4: Uploads Signed Invoice, Packing List, B/L, Shipping Bill, and UD ]
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[ Step 5: EPB Scrutiny Officer Audits Harmonized System (HS) Code & Value Addition ]
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[ Step 6: EPB Executive Officer Digitally Endorses & Prints Official GSP Form A ]
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[ Step 7: Embossed Government Steel Seal Affixed to Original Certificate ]3. Post-Issuance Handling & Banking Lodgment
- The physical Original GSP Form A is merged with the Commercial Invoice and B/L.
- A high-resolution color scan is saved in the factory ERP audit file.
- The original certificate is lodged at the commercial bank for negotiation under Master L/C Field 46A.
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) COO Application Dossier
| Document Name | Issuing Entity | Audit Focus for EPB Officer |
|---|---|---|
| EPB Application Form | Commercial Department | Complete exporter profile, buyer details, and trade scheme |
| Certified Shipping Bill | Customs Authority (NBR) | Official "Shaped & Loaded" on-board customs endorsement |
| Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L) | Ocean Shipping Line | Shipped on board date, vessel name, and container numbers |
| Commercial Invoice | Garment Factory | FOB value, garment description, and 8-digit HS code |
| Detailed Packing List | Garment Factory Finishing | Gross/net weights and total carton breakdown |
| Utilization Declaration (UD) | BGMEA or BKMEA | Verification of raw material consumption and domestic production |
Practical Commercial Flow
Cargo departs Chattogram on vessel "Cape Flint" on August 10. Commercial Executive retrieves the customs-endorsed Shipping Bill and Ocean B/L on August 12. Uploads dossier to the EPB online portal. EPB officer audits the file on August 13, verifies the 6203.42 HS code, and issues physical GSP Form A #EPB-GSP-2026-8812 with official embossed seal on August 14. Document is dispatched to Japan via DHL.
Factory Real-Life Scenario
Scenario: EPB rejected a GSP Form A application because the exporter's company name on the Bill of Lading had a minor spelling difference compared to the factory ERC registration.
Solution: Commercial team submitted an official bank identity confirmation certificate and trade association membership card regularizing the name variance.
Impact: Secured the signed GSP Form A within 24 hours.
Commercial Officer Best Practice
Always request your C&F agent to deliver the Customs-certified copy of the Shipping Bill immediately upon vessel departure to avoid delaying your EPB application.
Top Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for an EPB Certificate of Origin before the ocean vessel has departed and the B/L is issued.
- Mismatched gross weight between the EPB application form and the Ocean Bill of Lading.
Important Commercial & Trade Terminology (2 Terms)
Export Promotion Bureau — the statutory government body under the Ministry of Commerce responsible for national export development and preferential trade certification.
💡 Note: Issues GSP Form A.A raised physical stamp applied to original government certificates to prevent document forgery and counterfeiting.
💡 Note: Mandatory on original EPB COOs.Interview Preparation Questions & Answers (2 Questions)
Master these high-frequency interview questions for Commercial Officer, Merchandising, and Export Executive roles.
1. Complete export manufacturing and ship cargo from port; 2. Collect customs-endorsed Shipping Bill and Ocean Bill of Lading; 3. Log into the EPB online portal and fill out the GSP Form A application; 4. Upload Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L, Shipping Bill, and UD; 5. Pay government fee via treasury challan; 6. EPB verification officer audits origin criteria and prints certificate; 7. Deputy Director signs and applies the embossed government seal.
Frequently Asked Questions (1 FAQs)
Clear, beginner-friendly answers to the most common questions about the Commercial Department.
Key Takeaways & Summary Points
Executive Lesson Summary
A disciplined EPB application workflow ensures timely issuance of preferential origin certificates, safeguarding buyer tariff exemptions and timely payments.
Lesson Downloads & SOP Templates
CBM and Container Loading: A Guide for Garment Shipment Planning
Comprehensive industry standard guide.
Read GuideHS 6203.42.10
Men's or boys' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts of cotton
View HS Code