Written by The Banking Post
The Finance Division and National Board of Revenue (NBR) have launched a fully online duty‐payment system that lets importers, exporters and C&F agents settle customs levies instantly into the government treasury. The new facility integrates the iBAS++ payment platform with NBR’s ASYCUDA World, and went live at the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Seamless Integration of Systems
- iBAS++ (Finance Division) and ASYCUDA World (NBR) successfully linked.
- Payments generate an automated e-Challan receipt on completion.
- Funds credit immediately to the Treasury Single Account, enabling real-time customs clearance.
24/7 Payment Channels
Importers and agents can pay duties any time, from any location, using:
- Internet banking (debit/credit cards, mobile financial services)
- Counter services at 61 scheduled-bank branches nationwide
From RTGS Delays to Instant Settlement
Previously, duty remittances via RTGS were restricted to specific time windows and often took days to reach the treasury—impacting both government cash flow and importers’ operations. Under the new scheme, payments clear instantly, removing logistical bottlenecks and enabling faster cargo release.
Phased Rollout and Early Results
- Pilot (April 23): ICD Kamalapur Customs House
- Phase 2: Pangaon Customs House
- Phase 3: Chattogram Customs House
- Full Rollout (from July 7): Dhaka Custom House and all remaining stations
During initial operations on July 3, more than 75 e-Challans, totalling over Tk 13 crore, were successfully deposited into the treasury via Sonali Bank and other scheduled banks.
Expected Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in revenue collection
- Streamlined duty‐payment process for traders and agents
- Stronger government cash management through instant fund availability
This digital gateway marks a significant step toward modernising Bangladesh’s trade infrastructure and improving the ease of doing business.
