The National Board of Revenue (NBR) continues to face delays in automating its bonded warehouse system—a reform seen as essential to boosting transparency, reducing misuse, and improving trade facilitation, reports UNB.
Despite launching multiple initiatives and setting several deadlines, full automation remains incomplete. “We are still struggling with the bond automation, and it has yet to be fully implemented,” said NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan during a recent pre-budget discussion.
The plan to automate the bonded warehouse facility was announced in 2022, with a goal of completion by 2023. It aimed to modernize the system and address widespread abuse, which has long affected revenue collection and competitiveness for exporters.
To support the reform, the NBR launched the National Single Window (NSW) project in 2017 to electronically link 39 government agencies involved in customs operations. Initially expected to be finished by 2019, the project has since faced repeated delays.
A major obstacle has been resistance from stakeholders accustomed to manual processes. In 2021, a directive requiring digital tracking software for diplomatic bonded warehouses triggered strikes and a temporary liquor shortage, highlighting the challenges of the transition.
Other setbacks include the COVID-19 pandemic, inter-agency coordination issues, and policy indecision. NBR officials acknowledge that these factors have slowed progress and contributed to frustration within the business community.
Exporters, particularly in the garment sector, have raised concerns about delays and harassment in accessing bonded services. In response, the NBR introduced new guidelines in 2021 to streamline documentation and set service deadlines, though on-the-ground implementation remains uneven.
In an August 2024 meeting with the NBR, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) stressed the urgent need for simplified and timely customs services to maintain global competitiveness.
While the NBR has committed to expanding bonded warehouse privileges to more sectors once the system is ready, progress remains slower than anticipated. Business groups continue to call for a faster and more transparent rollout of automation to support economic growth.
“We are trying continuously,” said Chairman Khan. “Once the system is fully user-friendly, we will roll it out for all.”
A senior official added that successful automation will streamline operations, reduce misuse, and strengthen revenue collection, while also supporting legitimate businesses across the country.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
