Getting your Certificate of Incorporation from RJSC is only step one. If your business plans to trade internationally, manufacture goods, or bring in foreign capital, you’ll need at least one more approval — often several — from different government bodies. Confusing these agencies (and their document lists) is one of the most common causes of delay we see among foreign investors.
This guide breaks down the three approvals that come up most often: the Import/Export License (IRC/ERC), the Factory License, and BIDA registration.
Which License Do You Actually Need?
| If your business will... | You likely need |
|---|---|
|
Import raw materials, machinery, or finished goods
|
IRC (Import Registration Certificate)
|
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Export goods commercially
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ERC (Export Registration Certificate)
|
|
Manufacture products in Bangladesh
|
Manufacture products in Bangladesh
|
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open a branch/liaison office, or hire expatriates
|
BIDA registration
|
Many companies need two or three of these together — for example, a foreign-owned manufacturer that imports machinery will typically need BIDA registration, an Industrial IRC, and a factory license before it can begin production.
Import Registration Certificate (IRC) and Export Registration Certificate (ERC)
Both are issued by the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E), under the Ministry of Commerce, per the Import and Export Policy Order. Without one, a business cannot legally import or export goods on a commercial scale.
There are two IRC categories:
- Commercial IRC — for importing finished goods for resale.
-
Industrial IRC — for manufacturers importing raw materials, machinery, or production inputs.
Documents Required (Industrial IRC, per CCI&E's official checklist)
- Passport-size photograph of the entrepreneur/managing director
- Valid Trade License
- Membership certificate from a local Chamber of Commerce or relevant Trade Association
- Financial solvency certificate from a bank
- Copy of NID
- TIN Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association (for limited companies)
-
Recommendation letter from the concerned authority
Process
- Collect the IRC application form from CCI&E’s office or website (free of cost).
- Deposit the registration fee and passbook cost via Treasury Challan at Bangladesh Bank or Sonali Bank.
- Submit the completed form with documents and challan at CCI&E’s dispatch section.
- Receive an entry number, then the certificate and passbook once approved.
Processing typically takes around 15-20 working days once a complete application is submitted. Both IRC and ERC must be renewed annually. Fee amounts vary based on the applicant’s category and annual import/export ceiling — please verify the current fee schedule directly with CCI&E, as reported figures vary across sources
BIDA Registration for Foreign Investment
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) registers foreign, joint-venture, and (in most cases) local investment projects, and is a prerequisite for many other approvals — including work permits for expatriate staff. Applications go through BIDA’s One-Stop Service (OSS) portal.
When You Need It
- Opening a branch, liaison, or representative office
- Establishing a factory or industrial unit
-
Recommending work permits (E-type visas) for foreign employees
Documents Required ( Branch/Liaison/Representative Office)
- Forwarding letter from the Chairman/Managing Director
- BIDA application form (completed, 2 copies)
- Certificate of Incorporation with Memorandum & Articles of Association of the principal company
- Audited Financial Accounts of last financial year of the principal company
- Principal company’s Board of Directors resolution regarding opening of office in Bangladesh
- Proposed organogram of the office showing the posts to be occupied by both expatriates and local personnel
- Details of the activities of the principal company and details of the activities to be performed through the proposed branch office in Bangladesh
- Name and Nationality of the Directors/Promoters of the principal company
- Attachment of company’s comments as per BIDA requirement
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Applicable BIDA registration fees
BIDA Registration Fee (Branch/Liaison/Representative Office)
Approximately the fee for Branch/Liaison/Representative Office is BDT 29,500.
(Confirm current rates on BIDA’s official site before applying, as fees are periodically revised.)
BIDA Registration Fee (Official Schedule) (Industrial Project)
| Investment Size | Fee |
|---|---|
|
Up to BDT 10 crore
|
BDT 5,000 + 15% VAT
|
|
BDT 10–25 crore
|
BDT 10,000 + 15% VAT
|
|
BDT 25–50 crore
|
BDT 25,000 + 15% VAT
|
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BDT 50–100 crore
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BDT 50,000 + 15% VAT
|
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Above BDT 100 crore
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BDT 1,00,000 + 15% VAT
|
An additional BDT 1,000 plus 15% VAT applies for any amendment to an existing registration. (Confirm current rates on BIDA’s official site before applying, as fees are periodically revised.)
Factory License (DIFE)
If you’re manufacturing in Bangladesh, you need a Factory License from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), under the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006. This confirms your facility meets workplace safety, health, and environmental standards.
Process
- Apply through DIFE’s LIMA (Labour Inspection Management Application) portal.
- Submit Form 76 (Factory Layout Plan approval) and Form 77 (License Application).
- DIFE reviews the application and assigns it for inspection.
- A DIFE inspector visits the premises to verify compliance.
- Once approved, the license is issued and downloadable via LIMA.
Official processing time is approximately 15 working days, assuming all requirements are met on the first submission. Fees vary by factory category and size — please verify current amounts through the LIMA portal.
Practical Tips
- Sequence your applications correctly. BIDA registration often needs to happen before or alongside IRC applications for foreign-owned manufacturers — check dependencies early rather than applying in the wrong order.
- Match your IRC category to your actual activity. An Industrial IRC and a Commercial IRC have different document requirements and purposes; applying under the wrong category causes delays.
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Budget time for the factory inspection. The DIFE site visit is a hard requirement — have your layout plan and safety measures ready before applying, not after.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming one license covers everything. IRC, BIDA, and factory licenses serve different purposes and are issued by different agencies — most manufacturing businesses need more than one.
- Letting IRC/ERC lapse. Both require annual renewal; missing the deadline can freeze import/export activity and Letters of Credit.
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Submitting incomplete attestations. Several documents across these processes must be attested by a First-Class Gazetted Officer — an easy step to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need both an IRC and BIDA registration? If you’re a foreign-owned company importing goods, yes — BIDA registers your investment, while the IRC authorizes the actual import activity.
- How long does BIDA registration take? Processing time depends on document completeness and project size; please verify current timelines with BIDA, as they aren’t published as a fixed figure.
- Can I export without an ERC? No — commercial exports require a valid Export Registration Certificate from CCI&E.
- Is a factory license required for a small workshop? Requirements depend on the nature and scale of operations under the Bangladesh Labour Act — please verify your specific obligation with DIFE.
Conclusion
Trade and manufacturing businesses in Bangladesh typically deal with three separate regulators — CCI&E, BIDA, and DIFE — each with its own forms, fees, and timelines. Sequencing these correctly, and getting the documentation right the first time, is what separates a smooth setup from a months-long delay.
Let AccouSource Handle the Coordination
Navigating CCI&E, BIDA, and DIFE simultaneously is exactly the kind of multi-agency process foreign investors find most frustrating. Talk to AccouSource about mapping out the licenses your specific business model actually needs — before you start filing anything.
