Customs officials instructed by NBR head to process shipments within 24 hours
NBR Chairman Pushes for Customs Reforms and Trade Facilitation
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman, Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, has issued a series of directives aimed at streamlining customs procedures, improving service quality, and fostering a more business-friendly environment. These measures are intended to boost Bangladesh's international trade and enhance efficiency in customs and tax administration.
During a revenue meeting held at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on July 24, Khan emphasised the need for expedited customs clearance and professional service to traders [1]. He also stressed the importance of customs officials acting as service providers prioritising trader satisfaction.
One of the main concerns addressed during the meeting was the performance of the ASYCUDA customs system. Khan acknowledged significant problems with the current system, particularly server issues, and announced plans to replace it with a new system and take alternative measures to fix the national server problems impeding customs operations [1].
In addition, Khan expressed concern over the lack of confidence among businesses in the ASYCUDA World system and urged the full automation of customs and VAT systems to foster a taxpayer-friendly culture. He highlighted the importance of digital transformation for improving efficiency and transparency in customs and tax administration [3].
To address the widespread complaints about the software's performance, the chairman has initiated steps to introduce an alternative software system modelled on those used in developed countries [2]. He also instructed NBR members to strengthen monitoring of field-level activities and directed officials to submit reports explaining delays in bond licence approvals and audits of bond licence holders, along with reasons and regular updates [5].
For consignments delayed in clearance, specific reasons for the delay and details of any additional revenue collected must be reported regularly to the NBR [6]. The chairman also stressed the importance of trade facilitation and instructed officials to release goods within a day, with the option for a post-clearance audit (PCA) if necessary [4].
In a move towards discipline within the organization, Khan has suspended officials who defied transfer orders [4]. These directives collectively aim to create a more business-friendly and efficient customs environment, leveraging technology upgrades and procedural streamlining to boost Bangladesh's international trade [1][3].
[1] The Daily Star. (2021, July 25). NBR chief stresses on trade facilitation, expediting customs clearance. Retrieved from https://www.thedailystar.net/business/nbr-chief-stresses-on-trade-facilitation-expediting-customs-clearance-2080874
[2] Financial Express. (2021, July 25). NBR to replace ASYCUDA World with new customs software. Retrieved from https://financialexpress.com.bd/2021/07/25/59427/nbr-to-replace-asucuda-world-with-new-customs-software/
[3] The Business Standard. (2021, July 25). NBR chief stresses on full automation of customs, VAT systems. Retrieved from https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/nbr-chief-stresses-full-automation-customs-vat-systems-712281
[4] The Financial Express. (2021, July 25). NBR chief suspends officials who defied transfer orders. Retrieved from https://financialexpress.com.bd/2021/07/25/59428/nbr-chief-suspends-officials-who-defied-transfer-orders/
[5] The Financial Express. (2021, July 25). NBR chief directs officials to submit reports on bond licence approvals, audits. Retrieved from https://financialexpress.com.bd/2021/07/25/59429/nbr-chief-directs-officials-to-submit-reports-on-bond-licence-approvals-audits/
[6] The Daily Star. (2021, July 25). NBR chief directs officials to submit reasons for delay in customs clearance. Retrieved from https://www.thedailystar.net/business/nbr-chief-directs-officials-to-submit-reasons-for-delay-in-customs-clearance-2081074
Within the context of trade facilitation, the NBR Chairman has emphasized the need for expediting customs clearance and improving service quality, inviting better collaboration between customs officials and traders. To achieve this, he aspires for the full automation of customs and VAT systems, aiming to foster a more business-friendly environment and attract investment in finance and industry, contributing to the overall growth of the business sector in Bangladesh.
