A constructive exchange of views was held between BGMEA leaders and Custom Bond Commissionerate, Chittagong on Tuesday (November 11, 2025) at the BGMEA Chittagong premises. The meeting was presided over by BGMEA Vice President Mohammad Rafique Chowdhury.
The exchange of views included extensive discussions on further facilitating bond-related activities in the ready-made garment industry sector, improving policies and procedures, and enhancing mutual cooperation. The leaders highlighted important issues such as simplifying the process of FOC-based imports, adding new HS codes, simplifying the audit process, providing 15% VAT exemption on inter-bond transfers, and facilitating bond services for small and medium factories.
Md. Mahfuzul Haque Bhuiyan, Commissioner of the Custom Bond Commissionerate, Chittagong, said that some bond-related policies have already been relaxed and some issues are under coordination at the NBR level. He urged all institutions to quickly onboard the UP-CBMS system, which will be launched from December 1, 2025.
BGMEA leaders said that closer cooperation between customs, bond and banking authorities would make the ready-made garment industry in the Chittagong region more dynamic and competitive. They expressed hope that if the existing complications of the bond process are removed through a joint initiative, export growth would accelerate further.
