South Asia Customs & Delivery Playbook: Navigating Bangladesh & Sri Lanka

Navigating South Asia’s customs requires precision. With Bangladesh’s complex import regimes and Sri Lanka’s bilingual compliance demands, cross-border businesses face fragmented regulatory landscapes. This guide delivers actionable strategies to streamline your supply chain.

I. Market Entry Barriers: Key Insights

Bangladesh Operational Realities

• Critical Hubs:

• Port of Chattogram: Handles 92% of containerized trade (Bangladesh Customs 2024)

• Dhaka ICD Kamalapur: Primary inland clearance depot for bonded cargo

• Red Flags:

• Goods auctioned after 90-day port detention (Customs Act §25)

• Original consignees hold secondary claim priority during auctions

Sri Lanka Compliance Framework

• Port Dynamics:

• Colombo: Regional transshipment hub with 72-hour free storage

• Hambantota: Specialized bulk handling facilities

• Regulatory Hurdles:

• NMRA type approval mandatory for medical devices

• GHS-compliant Sinhala/Tamil bilingual SDS sheets for chemicals

II. Document Preparation: Avoiding Costly Delays

Bangladesh Documentation Protocol

1. Bill of Lading (B/L) Must-Haves:

• 14-digit BIN# for registered importers

• 9-digit AIN# for NVOCC agents

• Consignee field requires:

• HS codes (8-digit) in top 5 lines of description

2. Declaration Pitfalls:

• Generic terms like "electronic accessories" trigger inspections

• Restricted items: Mobile phones, generic drugs (Import Policy Order 2023-2026)

Sri Lanka’s Three-Tier Clearance

Pro Tip: Label personal shipments as "Personal Effects - Non-Commercial" with fair value declaration.

III. Logistics Strategy: Cost vs. Speed Analysis

Electronics Alert: Build 21-day buffer for Bangladesh BTRC device approval.

IV. Risk Mitigation Tactics

Bangladesh L/C Safeguards

• Secure Payment Workflow:

• Enforce 100% UCP600 compliance - reject documents with minor discrepancies

• Utilize credit insurance (e.g., Sinosure) covering 95% of receivable risks

Sri Lanka Customs Disputes

• Seizure Response Plan:

• File Notice of Objection within 7 business days

• Activate Priority Customs Handling (DHL/FedEx) for 48-hr resolution

V. Special Commodity Handling

1. Hazardous Materials

• Packaging: UN-certified containers (e.g., UN 4G/X15/S/23)

• Labeling: Sri Lanka requires bilingual ERG codes on outer packaging

2. Tax Optimization

• Bangladesh: Use Chattogram bonded warehouses for VAT deferment

• Sri Lanka: Leverage Colombo FTZ processing for duty exemptions

VI. Why DDP is Your Compliance Shield

Opt for door-to-door DDP services to bypass critical pain points:

Verified Partners:

• Bangladesh: CEVA’s licensed Chattogram clearance team

• Sri Lanka: DHL’s Colombo FTZ integrated clearance hub

Action Checklist for Sustainable Operations

1. Digitize Documents: Use AI validators (e.g., Flexport) to reduce B/L errors

2. Localize Compliance: Appoint in-country agents for real-time regulation tracking

3. Hybrid Logistics: Combine ocean freight with air express contingencies