PREFACE
Government is sincerely committed to fostering a gradual development of free market economy in the light of GATT agreement. In the interest of export promotion & investment in the country it is necessary to have a long term, stable, facilitative & liberal Import Policy. With this and in view the present democratic government has taken steps to extend the duration of the Import Policy from two years to five years. Efforts have been made to make the Import Policy easier and more liberal by relaxing or rescinding the regulatory provisions of the previous Import Policy. Provisions have already been made to allow import of capital machinery and industrial raw materials on consignment basis without the cover of the Letter of Credit. Government has taken steps for quality control in the import of cement, fertilizer etc. In order to protect the interest of the consumers. Steps are afoot to ensure that in future all imported consumer items conform to a specified standard of quality. In the present Import Policy Order second hand/reconditioned machinery are importable subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Gradually efforts will be made to classify those machinery under H. S. Code.
The main objectives of the Import Policy are :-
(a) to make the Import Policy Compatible with the changes in the world market that have occurred as a result of the introduction of market economy and signing of the GATT Agreement;
(b) to simplify the procedures for import of capital machinery and industrial raw materials with a view to promoting export, and
(c) to ensure growth of the indigenous industry and availability of high quality goods to the consumers at a reasonable price.
Achievement of the aforesaid objectives will depend on the help and cooperation of other relevant Ministries, Divisions of the Government and the Trade Organizations in the private Sector.
ORDER Dated the 10th June, 1998
No. S.R.O.103/LAW/98-In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Imports & Export (Control) Act. 1950 (XXXIX of 1950), the Government is pleased to make and issue the following order:
Chapter One
Short Title and Duration - (1) This Order may be called the Import Policy Order, 1997-2002.
(2) Unless otherwise specified this Order shall apply to all imports into Bangladesh.
(3) It shall remain in force from the 14th June, 1998 to 30th June, 2002.
However, if required, Government may review this Order once in every year and may take decision as deemed fit.
Definitions - (1) In this Order, unless there is anything repugnant to the subject or context :-
(a) "ITC Schedule" means the Import Trade Control Schedule, 1988 published in the Gazette vide No. S.R.O. 181-L/88, dated 29-6-1988;
(b) "ITC Number" means H. S. Code with six or more digit corresponding to the classification of goods as given in the Import Trade Control Schedule;
(c) "Act" means the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950 (XXXIX of 1950).
(d) "Import control Authority" means the Chief Controller, and includes any other officer authorized to issue licences, permits or registration certificate under sub-section(2) of section 3 of the Act and under the relevant provisions of various Orders issued thereunder;
(e) "Basis of Imports" means percentage rate or formula adopted for determining the share of a registered importer;
(f) "Indentor" means a person or group of persons, firm, institution, body or organization registered as an indenture under the Importers, Exporters and Indentors (Registration) Order, 1981;
(g) "L/C" means a letter of credit opened for the purpose of import under this order;
(h) "L/C Authorization (LCA) Form" means the form prescribed for the authorization of the opening of L/C without obtaining import Licence;
(i) "Banned List" means the list of items, whose import is banned and given in annexure-1 (A);
(j) "Annex" means an annex appended to this Order;
(k) "Actual user" means a person, group of persons, institution body or organization, other than registered importers, who may import a permissible item, not being an industrial raw material requiring further processing item, not being an industrial raw material requiring further processing before being used or consumed, in limited quantity for his or its own use or consumption and not for sale or transfer.
(l) "Chief Controller" shall have the same meaning as given in the Imports and Exports (Control) Act; 1950 (XXXIX of 1950);
(m) "Bangladeshi nationals abroad" means foreign exchange earning Bangladeshi citizens working/living abroad;
(n) "Permit" means an authorization for import or export, and includes import permit, clearance permit, import permit on returnable basis, export permit or export-cum-import permit as the case may be issued by Import Control Authority;
(o) "Commercial importer" means an importer registered under the Importers, Exporters and Indentors (Registration) Order. 1981, who imports goods for sale without further processing (It includes importers previously registered for import at SEM rate);
(p) "Importer for lease financing" means an importer registered, as special case, under the Importers, Exporters and Indentors (Registration) Order, 1981 for import of machinery and equipment as a leasing company approved by the Government for provision of lease financing to the industrial, energy, mining, agricultural, construction, transport and professional service sector;
(q) "Restricted list" means the list of items, whose import is restricted and given in annexure-1 (B);
(r) "Industrial consumer" means a recognized industrial unit registered as an Industrial importer under the Importers. Exporters and Indentors (Registration) Order, 1981;
(s) "Public sector importer" means importers being government organizations statutory bodies, corporations, universities, research institutions and industrial enterprises in the public sector;
(2) All other terms used in this order which have not been defined shall have the same meaning as assigned to them in the Act and the Order issued thereunder.
CHAPTER TWO
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR IMPORT
Regulation of Import - Import of goods under this Order shall be regulated as under:
(a) Banned list : Unless otherwise specified, items included in this list can not be imported. List of import banned items has been attached in annexure-I ;
(b) Restricted list : Any item included in this list shall be importable only on fulfillment of the conditions (b) specified there in against the item. The list of restricted items has been attached in annexure-I(b);
(c) Freely Importable Items : Unless otherwise specified, any item, which does not appear either in banned or in restricted list shall be freely importable;
(d) In addition to the conditions mentioned in the Restricted and Banned Lists, the conditions, restrictions and procedures for import of various items mentioned in the text portion of this Order, shall as usual apply in case of import of those items;
(e) If, while determining the import status of an item mentioned in the Restricted and Banned Lists, the description of goods does not conform to the H. S. Code mentioned against the item or any discrepancy arises between the H. S. Code and the description of goods in that case the description of goods shall prevail;
(f) Conditions of Ban and Restriction : If the import of an item had been banned at any time before the coming into effect of this Order or if such ban has been made effective by virtue of the placement of the item in the control list annexed to this Order such ban shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i) The concerned sponsoring authority/Tariff commission shall strictly monitor production of the industrial unit which is being afforded protection by the ban. The ban may be revoked on the recommendation of the concerned sponsoring authority/Tariff Commission if the quality of products deteriorates and the price of the product is not maintained at satisfactory level or if production level fails leaving unutilized capacity. Such of the protected units as are now primarily engaged in assembly type activities shall actively and expeditiously move towards progressive manufacture.
(ii) The sponsoring authority concerned and Tariff Commission shall continuously monitor the prices of the items covered by such ban to guard against undue increase of price. If the price of any item is increased except for factors like rise in the price of raw materials or decline in the rate of exchange or if the increase in the price of the item is disproportionately higher compared to the rise in the price of the raw material, the ban may be revoked on the recommendation of Tariff Commission/sponsoring authority.
(iii) Whoever feels aggrieved by any decision regarding ban or restriction on import of any item can represent his case to the Tariff Commission. The Tariff Commission will duly examine such a representation and furnish as early as possible its recommendation (s) to the Ministry of Commerce for latter's consideration.
4. General Conditions of Import of goods - (1) Import Trade Control Schedule Numbers. For import purpose, use of new ITC Numbers (H. S. Code) with at least six digits corresponding to the classification of goods as given in the Import Trade Control Schedule 1988, based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, shall be mandatory. But in cases where a particular item has been classified under an H. S. Code Number with more than six digits, in those cases it shall be mandatory to use that specific Code Number (having more than six digits). The seven Digit H. S. Code published by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics may also be mentioned in the L.C.A. From, L/C and other relevant paper within a bracket in addition to normal H. S. Code as mentioned above. No bank shall issue L.C. Authorization from or open L/C without properly mentioning I.T.C. number (H. S. Code) thereon.
(2) NOC On the basis of ROR (Right of Refusal)-(a) No Objection Certificate on the basis of Right of Refusal (ROR) from any authority shall not be required for import of any freely importable item by any Public Sector agency. However, in cases where a public sector agency is required to import banned/restricted items included in the Control List prior permission of the Ministry of Commerce shall have to be obtained on the basis of ROR issued by the Ministry of Industries or by the Sponsoring Ministry/Division, or by both as the case may be.
(b) In case of import of banned/restricted items for approved projects financed under foreign aid the concerned Government Department/Agency will approach the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports directly for necessary permission together with a list of items duly certified under proper seal and signature giving description, quantity/number, price and H. S. Code Number against each item required to be imported. The details about the aided project and specific provision of the relevant contract and other necessary information shall also have to be furnished along with the list of items. The Chief Controller shall issue permission/permit on the basis of above documents.
(3) Restriction regarding source of procurement of goods:
(a) Goods from Israel or goods originating from that country shall not be importable. Goods shall also not be importable in the flag vessels of that country.
(b) All kinds of import from and export to Serbia and Montenigro, fragments of former Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia, shall be banned.
(4) Pre-shipment inspection: Unless otherwise specified, pre-shipment inspection of imported goods shall not be obligatory in case of import by the private sector importers.
(5) Shipment of Bangladesh Flag Vessels: Subject to waiver specified below shipment of goods shall normally be made on Bangladesh flag vessels:
(a) Import of goods up to maximum twenty metric tons in case of single individual consignee or up to maximum 100 (on hundred) metric tons in case of group import may be made in non Bangladeshi flag vessels. However the Director-General of Shipping may notify general waivers in the following cases, such as (1) shipment of goods from foreign ports which are not visited by Bangladeshi Vessels, and (2) import of goods on the basis of specific agreements which provide for C & F contract. In all other cases a certificate of waiver shall be obtained from the Director General of Shipping for importation of goods in non-Bangladeshi flag vessels. If there appears to be no possibility of any Bangladeshi flag vessels, visiting a port within next seven days, waiver shall be given within twenty-four hours of application for waiver. Otherwise, it will be considered that waiver has been given. However, the preceding condition of compulsory shipment of goods on Bangladeshi flag vessels, or the condition of obtaining certificates of waiver from the Director-General of Shipping shall not apply in cases of import under such foreign aids, loans or grants which contain specific provisions regarding shipment of goods.
(b) In case of import and export of goods by export oriented industries, shipment may be made in non-Bangladeshi flag vessels.
(6) Import at competitive rate: (a) Import shall be made at the most competitive rate and the importers may be required, at any time, to submit documents regarding the price paid or to be paid by them.
(b) In case of import under United Commodity Aid in the private sector, goods shall be imported at the most competitive rate by obtaining quotations from a minimum three-suppliers/ indentors representing at least two countries abroad. This condition shall, however, not apply for opening of L/C up to TK. One lac. For import at the most competitive rate by the Public Sector importers the conditions mentioned at para 27(8) of this Order shall apply.
(7) Import on C & F and FOB basis: All imports by sea, air and land route shall be made either on C & F or FOB basis. However, in case of import on FOB basis the concerned importer shall have to properly comply with the circular issued by Bangladesh Bank in this regard. Before opening of L/C necessary insurance cover note shall have to be purchased from the Sadharan Bima Corporation or any other Bangladeshi insurance company. Unless there is specific provision in the relevant loan agreement/ project agreement concluded with the foreign donors for import on CIF basis, no import shall be allowed on CIF basis without prior approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
However, Bangladesh nationals, living abroad, for sending goods against their earned foreign exchange and foreign investors, for sending capital machinery & raw materials against their equity share portion shall be allowed on CIF basis.
(8) (a) Import by mentioning "country of origin"- In all cases of import, "country of origin" shall be mentioned clearly on goods, package/container. A certificate regarding "country of origin" issued by the concerned Government agency/approved authority/ organization of the exporting country must be submitted, along with import documents to the customs Authority at the time of release of goods. However, the provisions of "country of origin" shall not be applicable to coal and export oriented garments industries. In case of cotton import it shall not be required to mention country of origin on each bale. But "country of origin" shall be mentioned in the photo-sanitary certificate. Besides, 100% export oriented industries, which are recognized by the Customs Authority, shall be waived from the restriction of "country of origin" subject to the conditions imposed by the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. Bangladesh Bank and Commercial banks.
(b) In case of import of Limestone, in different consignments/lot by the rope-way or by river, as raw-materials for Chaotic Cement Factory, "country of origin" certificate from the exporting country's Government/approved authority/organization shall be submitted once to the Customs authority at the time of release of goods, instead of each consignment/lot for the quantity mentioned in L/C in case of river-way and as per supplied carrying list in case of rope-way.
5. Source of finance-(1) import may be allowed under the following sources of finance :
(a) Cash -
(i) Cash foreign exchange (balance of the foreign exchange reserve of Bangladesh Bank);
(ii) Foreign currency accounts maintained by Bangladeshi nationals working/living abroad;
(b) external economic aid (Commodity Aid, Loan, Credit or Grant);
(c) Commodity exchange : Barter and special trading arrangement (STA); this source shall be abolished as and when present agreements expire,
(2) Commercial importers and industrial consumers may utilize their respective shares under Barter/STA as per basis notified.
(3) Import under the Special Trading Arrangements (STA) which are or were concluded with prior approval/permission of the government, shall be subject to the specific procedures laid down by the government in this respect.
(4) The provision of this para will remain effective only upto the time of completion of ongoing agreements.
Fund provision for financing import - Unless otherwise specified the importers shall import primarily against cash foreign exchange.
Import procedure -
(1) Import Licenec not required: No import Licence will be necessary for import of any item.
(2) Import against LCA From: Unless otherwise specified, all imports transacted through a bank (L/Cs, bank drafts, remittances etc.) shall require LCA forms irrespective of the source of finance.
(3) Import against L/C: Unless otherwise specified, import shall be made only by opening irrevocable letter of credit (L/C).
However, L/C is not required for import of each consignment, by road, of easily perishable item bolded from US$ five thousand to Seven thousand five hundred and for import of capital machinery & raw materials for industrial use without any price limit. Existing conditions regarding import on deferred payment under L/C shall be applicable in this case also and importers shall be required to register with Bangladesh Bank for importation without L/C.
(4) Import against LCA Form but without opening of Letter of Credit (L/C) : Import against LCA Form may be allowed without opening of letters of credit in the following cases :
(a) Import of books, journals, magazines and periodicals on sight draft or usance bill basis;
(b) Import of any permissible item for an amount not exceeding US Dollar Five thousand only during each financial year against remittance made from Bangladesh. However, permissible item valued upto US Dollar five thousand in a single consignment from Myanmar shall be importable without opening L/C and in that case above mentioned annual ceiling of US Dollar five thousand shall not be applicable.
(c) Import under commodity aid, grant or such other loan for which there are specific procurement procedures for import of goods without opening any L/C;
(d) Import of "International Chemical References" through Bank drafts by recognized pharmaceutical (allopathic) industry on the approval of Director, Drugs Administrators for the purpose of quality control of their products.
(5) Import against Import Permits and in special cases against Clearance Permit (for clearance of goods on payment of fine) : In the following cases, neither LCA Form non opening of L/C will be necessary; but Import Permit (IP) or Clearance Permit (CP) will have to be obtained by the importer for : (a) Import of books, magazines, journals, periodicals and scientific and laboratory equipment against surrender of UNESCO Coupons;
(b) Import under Pay-As-You-Learn-Scheme in the following cases only on the basis of clearance of the Bangladesh Bank:
(i) New or not exceeding twelve years old plant and machinery of permissible specification;
(ii) New or not exceeding five years old motor cars;
(iii) Cargo or passenger vessel of steel or wooden bodies, including refrigerated vessel of any capacity either new or not exceeding fifteen years old; but in case of ocean going ships, old ship, not exceeding twenty years old shall be importable;
(iv) Import of plant and machinery for export-oriented industrial units with the clearance of the competent sanctioning authority, wherever necessary; and
(v) Trawlers and other fishing vessels, either new or not exceeding twenty years old:
- For import under this scheme the sanctioning authority of such import shall forward a copy of sanction letter to the Chief Controller and the importers shall apply to the CCI & E along with necessary paper for prior permission.
(c) Import of item (s) by passengers coming from abroad in excess of the permissible limits as per the relevant baggage rules, provided the import of the item(s) concerned is permissible under the relevant baggage rules;
(d) Import of free samples, advertising materials and gift items above the ceiling prescribed as per paragraph 13 of this Order;
(e) Import of only drugs and medicines (allopathic) under product bonus system subject to the condition that it shall be obligatory on the part of the importers concerned to pass on the benefit to the consumers. The Director, Drugs Administration shall devise appropriate mechanism in this behalf;
(f) Import of capital machinery as share of capital of the foreign share-holder for an approved joint venture industrial unit already set up or to be set up;
(g) Import of any other goods, not specifically exempted from permit.
(6) Import on Deferred Payment Basis or Against Supplier's Credit: Subject to restriction and prohibitions contained in this order, import on differed payment basis or against Suppliers, Credit may be allowed on the basis of procedure laid down by the Bangladesh Bank in this behalf.
(7) Import against direct payment abroad: Only Bangladeshi nationals living abroad may send any importable item irrespective of value ceiling against direct payment abroad in the name of any Bangladeshi living in Bangladesh. The name and address of the consignee shall be mentioned in the import documents. For such import, no permission or import permit from the Import Control Authority shall be necessary.
(8) Time limit for opening of L/C : Unless otherwise specified, for import under cash foreign exchange, letter of credit shall be opened by all importers within one hundred and fifty days from the date of its issue or from the date of its registration. The above time limit may be extended up to such time as deemed fit by the Chief Controller. For import under foreign aid/grant and barter/STA. L/C shall be opened within the time limit as may be notified by the Chief Controller. (9) Validity of LCA for shipment :
(a) Unless, otherwise specified, shipment of goods shall be made within seventeen months in the case of machinery and spare parts and nine months in the case of all other items from the date of issuance of LCA From by bank or registration of L/C Authorization Form with Bangladesh Band Registration unit, as the case may be, Shipment of goods under commodity aid/grant, and barter/STA shall be effected within the time limits as may be notified by the Chief Controller;
(b) In case where shipment could not made within the validity of the LCA Form due to circumstances beyond the control of the importer, the Chief Controller may extend the time limit for shipment of goods on the merit of each case;
(10) Restriction on L/C after imposition of ban/restriction: No extension of the date of shipment in any letter of credit or amendment to letter of credit or enhancement of the value or quantity of goods shall be allowed by the nominated bank or by the Import Control Authority after the import of the item or items has been banned or restricted;
(11) Document required to be submitted along with LCA Form: Importer in both public sector and private sector shall submit to their nominated banks the following documents along with the L/C Authorization Form for opening Letter of Credit:
(a) L/C application form duly signed by the importer;
(b) Indents for goods issued by indentor or a proforma invoice obtained from the foreign supplier, as the case may be; and
(c) Insurance cover note.
(12) Addition documents to be furnished by public sector importers: In addition to the documents mentioned in sub-paragraph (11) above public sector importers shall submit the attested photocopy of sanction letter from the Administrative Ministry or Division or Authority, wherever applicable; ]
(13) Additional documents to be furnished by private sector importers: In addition to the documents, mentioned in sub-paragraph (11) above private sector importers will be required to submit the following documents-
(a) valid membership certificate from the registered local Chamber of Commerce and Industry or any Trade Association, established on all Bangladesh basis, representing any special trade/business;
(b) proof of payment of renewal fees for the Import Registration Certificate for the concerned financial year;
(c) a declaration, in triplicate, that the importer has paid income-tax or submitted income-tax return for the preceding year;
(d) proof of having Tax Identification Number (TIN) in all cases of import excepting personal use;
(e) insurance cover note either from Shadaran Bima Corporation or from Bangladeshi Insurance Company and stamped insurance policy against this cover-note;
(f) any such documents as may be required as per this Order or Public Notice, or instruction issued by Chief Controller, from time to time under this Order;
(14) Violation of the requirement of LCA/LC: Shipment effected before authentication of the L/C Authorization Form by the nominated bank and registration with the Bangladesh Bank, wherever necessary, and before opening of L/C or after expiry of the validity of the L/C Authorization Form or L/C shall be treated as import in contravention of this Order. L/C Authorization Form obtained on the basis of false or incorrect particulars or by adopting any fraudulent means shall be treated as invalid and void abinitio.
(15) Import against indent and proforma invoice: L/C may be opened against an indent issued by a local registered indentor or against a proforma invoice issued by a foreign manufacturer/seller/supplier.
Procedure to be followed by banks for acceptance/issuance of LCA Forms-
(1) Acceptance of LCA Forms by the nominated banks:
(a) LCA Forms and other relevant papers shall be submitted by the recognized industrial units to the private sector and registered commercial importers to their respective nominated bank for the purpose of import by opening L/C.
(b) While accepting LCA Forms from a private sector importer the nominated banks shall ensure that the concerned importer has a valid Import Registration Certificate (IRC) : that the requisite renewal fees for IRC for the relevant financial year has been paid, and that the particulars of the treasury challan showing payment of renewal fees have been duly recorded in the IRC of the said importer. Unless a private sector importer specifically is exempted from IRC, LCA Forms shall not be accepted from him/her, or L/C shall not be opened in his/her favour without valid and legally renewed IRC.
(c) L/C for import of capital machinery and initial spares for setting up a new industrial unit may, however, be opened without any Import Registration Certificate (IRC) and without obtaining exemption certificate from the Chief Controller. No formal sanction shall be necessary from the sponsoring authority for such import against cash foreign exchange in respect of industrial units in the free sector.
(2) Compulsory recording of ITC Number: Bank shall not process any LCA Form or open L/C without properly recording the appropriate ITC Number on the LCA Form or L/C. Bangladesh Bank shall monitor the compliance by the banks of the above requirements.
(3) Registration of LCA Form and opening of L/C: In case of import under cash foreign exchange commodity aid, grant, loan and other sources for which registration with Bangladesh Bank is necessary, the nominated bank shall forward the L/C Authorization Form in quintuplicate to the concerned Registration Unit of Bangladesh Bank for registration. The Bangladesh Bank Registration unit shall, after registration, return the first and second copies of the L/C Authorization Form to the nominated bank concerned and third and the fourth copies thereof to the nominated bank concerned and third and the fourth copies thereof to the concerned Import Control Authority within fifteen days for record.
(4) Case where LCA Forms under Government allocation are not required to be registered: In case of import under Loan, Credit, grant of Barter or STA where registration with the Bangladesh Bank is not necessary, the nominated bank, after endorsing the particulars mentioned in the L/C Authorization Form 厖. shall forward the L/C Authorization Form along with L/C application Form and other required documents to the designated bank with the request to open L/C. The designated bank after opening L/C, shall forward the third and fourth copies of L/C, authorization Form to the concerned Import Control Authority within fifteen days.
(5) LCA Forms under cash foreign exchange: In case of import under cash foreign exchange L/C Authorization Forms shall be required to be registered with the Bangladesh Bank duty in those instances where prior approval from the Bangladesh Bank is required for buying foreign exchange. All Forms shall be prominently marked on the right hand corner at the top with rubber stamp to read as "issued under cash foreign exchange". The banks which will open L/Cs against such LCA Forms shall forward the third and fourth copies of the LCA Forms to the area Import Control Authority, within fifteen days.
(6) Transmission of the copy of L/C for record of the Import Control Authority. In all cases mentioned in sub-paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) above, the L/C opening banks shall forward a legible copy of the L/C and copy of amendment thereto, if any, to the concerned Import Control Authority for their record within fifteen days.
(7) Despatch of Income Tax declarations submitted by private sector importers. The nominated bank of the concerned private sector imports shall retain one copy of the Income Tax declaration furnished by the private sector importers and forward the other copies to the Director Research and Statistics National Board of Revenue, Segunbagicha.
CHAPTER THREE
FEES PROVISIONS REGARDING IMPORTS
Provisions regarding Imports
(1) LCA/Permit fees Notwithstanding anything mentioned also where in any other order in this regard. LCA/Permit fees, irrespective of the source of finance, shall not be payable for import of goods of value up to 厖 Taka One Lac. In this respect the value assessed by the Customs Authority for the purpose of realizing custom duties and, other dues shall be the value on which LCA/Permit fees shall or payable. In cases where L/C value does not exceed the above ceiling but the value assessed by the Customs Authority exceeds the same, the LCA of Permit fee shall be, payable, as usual, on the latter value. Unless exempted from payment of LCA/Permit for in accordance with paragraph 4 of the licence and permit Fee Order, 1985, LCA/Permit fee shall be payable at a rate of two and a half percent on the value of imports exceeding the above ceilings assessed by the Customs Authority, Such fees shall be, simultaneously deposited under the head of account "1/1731/0001/1801" at the time of payment of customs duty, sales tax, surcharge etc, before clearance of goods from the Customs. Even if customs duty, surcharge etc. are not payable in a particular case, the LCA/Permit fee must be paid unless exempted under the Order referred to above, or excerption has been granted by any specific order. Customs Authority shall not release any consignment unless the LCA/Permit fee is fully paid in cases where such fee is payable as per rules. The concerned Customs Authority shall send a report/statement on the collection of LCA/Permit fee during each month to the Chief Controller at Dhaka, the first week of the following month along with the aforesaid monthly report, the Customs Authority shall also furnish a progressive statement showing the amount collected as LCA/Permit fee during the current financial year up to the date.
(2) Fees for registration and renewal :
(a) Registered commercial importers and industrial consumers have been classified into four categories on the basis of their value ceiling of overall annual import for the year 1997-98 to 2001-02. Their Registration (IRC) and renewal fees have been re-fixed as under :-
Category :Value Ceiling of annual importInitial RegistrationAnnual renewal fees
(a) Tk. 5.00 (five) lac Tk. 500.00 Tk. 500.00
(b) Tk. 15.00 (fifteen) lac Tk. 1,500.00 Tk. 1,500.00
(c) Tk. 50.00 (fifty lac Tk. 3,000.00 Tk. 3,000.00
(d) Above Tk. 50.00 (fifty) lac Tk. 5,000.00 Tk.5000.00
(b) An importer shall apply in writing to the concerned import control authority for registration in any of the four categories mentioned above along with necessary papers and the original copy of the treasury Challan showing payment of prescribed registration fees. Import Control Authority shall make an endorsement on the IRC of each importer indicating the value ceiling of annual import and the rate of renewal fees applicable in each case.
(c) Importers already registered shall submit two copies of application in writing to their nominated banks indicating the category in which they intend to be classified and shall pay renewal fees in cash to their nominated banks against proper receipt at the rate prescribed for the said category. The banks shall, in turn, deposit the receipted amount separately with Bangladesh Bank or with Sonali Bank where there is no branch of Bangladesh Bank, under the Head of Account "1/1731/0001/1801". They shall make an endorsement under seal and signature on the IRC of the importer indicating the value ceiling of annual import and the rate of renewal fee applicable in his case and return the original IRC to the importer concerned. The banks shall keep with them one copy of the importer's application and send the other copy to the concerned Import Control Authority along with original copy of treasury challan regarding payment of renewal fees. Banks shall also furnish separate Lists of importers where Registration Certificates have been renewed by them under each of the four categories mentioned above.
(d) Renewal fees for the concerned financial year shall be paid within 30th Sept. of that year without any surcharge, any importer intending to open L/C for the purpose of import before the aforementioned dates shall however be required to first pay renewal fees properly for the financial year concerned at the prescribed rate. Importers failing to pay renewal fees within the above time shall have to pay, in addition to arrear renewal fees, surcharge at the following rates :
(1)Surcharge for delay for a period not exceeding one year:TK. 50.00
(2)Surcharge for delay for a period exceeding one year but not exceeding two years:TK. 100.00
(3)Surcharge for delay for a period exceeding two years but not exceeding three years:TK200.00
(e) In case an importer already registered in one category intends to be classified into a higher category, he/she shall submit two copies of application for this purpose to his nominated bank and pay renewal fees for the balance amount as per the rate applicable for the relevant higher category in accordance with the procedure mentioned above. The bank shall make necessary amendments on the IRC of the importers concerned and send to the concerned Import Control Authority one copy of the importer's application along with original treasury challan showing payment of additional amount of renewal fees. No importer shall be allowed to open L/C in excess of the value ceiling of annual import applicable for him. The importer concerned and the bank shall be equally responsible for any violation of this condition.
(f) The sponsoring authority (Board of Investment/BSCIC/BEPZA) while sending recommendation to the Chief controller of Imports and Exports for issue of IRC in Favour of a new industrial unit shall clearly mention the category under which the concerned industrial unit is to be registered.
(g) Indentors and exporters shall pay registration and renewal fees at the following rates:
Initial registration fees Renewal fees
Indentor TK. 10,000.00 TK. 3,000.00
Exporter TK. 1,000.00 TK. 1,000.00