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The government has initiated a move to simplify import registration by introducing a unified Import Registration Certificate (IRC), replacing the existing separate industrial and commercial IRCs.

The proposed reform is expected to eliminate the need for businesses operating under a single Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to maintain multiple import registrations, reducing compliance costs and administrative burdens.

To examine the proposal, the Ministry of Commerce formed a high-level committee on July 14, headed by its additional secretary (IIT Wing).

The committee includes representatives from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and other relevant agencies.

It has been asked to submit a report within 15 working days outlining the feasibility, implementation framework and execution strategy for introducing a single IRC.

The committee was formed following a decision taken at a meeting chaired by the commerce secretary on June 30.

Under the current system, businesses involved in both industrial production and commercial trading must obtain separate IRCs despite operating under the same TIN.

Commerce ministry officials and business leaders said abolishing the dual registration requirement would reduce the cost of doing business by eliminating duplicate licensing, simplifying import procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

They noted that several regional competitors, including India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, already use single-window registration systems for import and export activities.

“Operating separate Industrial and Commercial Import Registration Certificates under a single TIN creates redundant administrative steps and increases compliance overhead for our business community,” a senior commerce ministry official said.

“By moving towards a unified IRC, the government aims to eliminate duplicate licensing, simplify the import ecosystem and significantly lower the cost of doing business in Bangladesh. The proposed reform aligns our trade procedures with regional peers and marks a major step forward in our commitment to trade facilitation,” the official added.

The CCI&E currently issues IRCs through its Online Licensing Module (OLM), replacing the previous paper-based registration system.