Customs Export Clearance Workflow at Chattogram Port & Dhaka Airport
Lesson Contents Overview
Learning Objectives
Comprehensive Technical GuidanceTextbook & Training SOP
1. The Statutory Framework of Bangladesh Customs
Export trade in Bangladesh is governed by the Customs Act, 1969 / 2023 and administered by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Primary Export Customs Stations:
- Custom House Chattogram (Station Code: 301): Handles >80% of ocean RMG exports.
- Custom House Dhaka - Air Cargo Unit (Station Code: 101): Handles high-value air shipments at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
- Custom House Kamalapur ICD (Station Code: 201): Rail container terminal in Dhaka.
- Custom House Mongla & Custom House Payra: Alternative maritime seaports.
2. Ocean Export Flow: Factory -> Off-Dock -> Vessel
- Factory Finishing & Packing Floor (Dhaka / Gazipur): Covered Van Dispatched with VAT-6.3 and Challan.
- Private Off-Dock / ICD in Chittagong (e.g., Incontrade, Vertex, QNS): Carting & Warehousing.
- C&F Agent Submits Bill of Export on ASYCUDA World: Linking EXP & UD.
- Customs Assessment & Risk Management System: Green / Yellow / Red Lane Selectivity.
- Out of Customs Charge Granted & Container Stuffed: Placement of Carrier High-Security RFID Seal.
- Chattogram Port Jetty: Loaded onto scheduled Feeder Vessel via Quay Cranes.
3. Critical Timing & Cut-Off Guidelines
- Cargo Readiness at Factory: Minimum 72 hours before vessel departure.
- Arrival at Off-Dock: Minimum 48 hours before vessel Port Cut-Off.
- Customs Clearance Completion: Minimum 24 hours before Container Gate Cut-Off.
Customs Clearance Workflow: Ocean (Chattogram) vs Air (Dhaka DAC)
| Parameter | Ocean Freight (Chattogram Port) | Air Freight (Dhaka Airport DAC) |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance Location | Private Off-Docks / Off-Port ICDs in Chittagong | Biman Cargo Village / HSIA Air Cargo Terminal |
| Transport Mode | Covered Van / Prime Mover to Depot | Covered Delivery Van to Airport Cargo Village |
| Stuffing / Palletizing | Stuffing into 20ft/40ft Ocean Containers at Depot | Building Aircraft Pallets (ULD) / Bulk Loading |
| Customs System | ASYCUDA World (Custom House Chattogram - Code 301) | ASYCUDA World (Custom House Airport - Code 101) |
| Security Screening | Container seal check & physical yard inspection | Dual-View X-Ray Screening & ETD Explosive Detection |
| Standard Clearance Time | 24 to 48 Hours prior to vessel cut-off | 4 to 8 Hours prior to flight departure |
Practical Commercial Flow
Factory dispatches two covered vans with 1,200 cartons of woven trousers to Incontrade ICD in Chittagong. C&F agent files Bill of Export #C-881902 on ASYCUDA World. Customs assesses the declaration, marks it "Green Lane," issues Out of Customs Charge, and allows the C&F agent to stuff cartons into 40ft container #MSCU-881204. Container is sealed with Customs RFID bolt seal and dispatched to port terminal.
Factory Real-Life Scenario
Scenario: A container van was delayed at Chittagong Port gate because the driver did not have the physical VAT-6.3 challan accompanying the export cargo.
Solution: Commercial team generated an authorized electronic VAT-6.3 challan, transmitted it to the C&F agent via WhatsApp/Email, and secured gate entry within 1 hour.
Impact: Prevented missing the feeder vessel cut-off.
Commercial Officer Best Practice
Always dispatch export covered vans from your factory at least 48 to 72 hours before the vessel closing (cut-off) time to absorb highway traffic delays on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.
Top Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Dispatching cargo without a valid BGMEA/BKMEA UD amendment when style quantities were increased.
- Failing to verify that the covered van registration number matches the gate pass and challan.
Important Commercial & Trade Terminology (2 Terms)
An Inland Container Depot / privately operated off-port container yard where export cargo is received, customs cleared, and stuffed into ocean containers.
💡 Note: There are 19 private ICDs in Chittagong.The automated customs data management system utilized by Bangladesh Customs (NBR) for electronic processing of export Bills of Export and import Bills of Entry.
💡 Note: National digital customs backbone.Interview Preparation Questions & Answers (2 Questions)
Master these high-frequency interview questions for Commercial Officer, Merchandising, and Export Executive roles.
Due to severe space congestion inside Chattogram Port main yard, nearly 100% of containerized RMG export cargo is routed to 19 private Inland Container Depots (Off-Docks) in Chittagong. At the Off-Dock, covered vans unload goods, customs officers conduct examination/assessment, containers are stuffed and sealed, and then moved directly to the port jetty for vessel loading.
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
Mastering customs export clearance workflows at Chattogram Port and Dhaka Airport ensures rapid cargo release, zero port dwell times, and 100% on-time vessel loading.
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