Import License IRC Registration Consultant in Bangladesh

Do you want to launch import business in Bangladesh? To get started, one of the first steps is to acquire an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E). This bureaucratic mumbo jumbo can be a time waster, particularly in case of start-ups or foreign investors who are not familiar with Bangladesh trade compliance. This is where a skilled Import License IRC Registration Consultant in Bangladesh can be of real value.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the registration procedure of IRC, legal requirements, eligibility criteria, required paperwork and how a consultant makes the process more seamless. This post also explores the FAQs and final thoughts to support your importing endeavors in Bangladesh.

What is an Import Registration Certificate (IRC?

The Import Registration Certificate (IRC) is an official authorization which allows the company to bring in commercial goods into Bangladesh legally. CCI&E under Ministry of Commerce provides the IRC, which is compulsory for any business in the field of international procurement.

The activities that a business would be unable to undertake without an IRC include:

Open a Letter of Credit (LC)
Clear goods through customs
Lawfully engage in importation and commercial activities

Legal And RegulAtory Framework

The most significant laws by which IRC registration of Bangladesh is regulated are:

“Imports and Exports [Control] Act, 1950: Repealed”.
Import Policy Order (Periodically revised, such as 2021–2024 version)
Customs Act, 1969
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act

Regulatory bodies involved:

Chief Controller of imports and Exports (CCI&E)
Bangladesh Bank (in case of LC operation)
National Board of Revenue (NBR)
Bangladesh Customs Authority

Why Do We Need an IRC in Bangladesh?

All businesses that wish to engage in normal trade and commerce must have an IRC. This includes:

Private Limited Companies

Public Limited Companies

Sole Proprietorships

Partnership Firms

With some exceptions, NGOs and International Agencies

Industries that are export based or manufacturing (that use raw materials)

Types of IRC in Bangladesh

Main types of IRC Licences issued according to nature of business:

Commercial IRC

Used by a trading company that brings goods into an area for sale.

Industrial IRC

Employed by manufacturing firms to import raw material and capital goods for production.

How to Register for IRC – a Step-by-Step Explanation

The online and offline mechanism are both used in the registration for IRC. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how it happened:

Step 1: Getting a trade license

Make sure you have a proper trade license from concerned local City Corporation/ Municipality/ Union Parishad.

Step 2: Get a TIN Certificate

File for a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) with the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Stage 3: Open a Business Bank Account

Your company should have a business bank account. Get the Bank Solvency Certificate from the bank.

Step 4: Compile Your Documents

Prepare all the documents as listed below.

Step 5 – Apply through the CCI&E On-Line System

Go to CCI&E One Stop Service Portal and fill up the IRC application form.

Step 6: Pay Government Fees

Pay the applicable government fees on-line or at an approved bank.

Step 7: Checking and verification of documents and approval

After submission of the attachments, the documents will be checked. Upon approval, the IRC will be sent online within 7-10 business days.

Required Documents for the IRC Registration

Here are some documents you may need to get registered with the IRC:

Valid Trade License

TIN Certificate

TIN Certificate:First, Value Added Tax (VAT) & Business Identification Number (BIN) Certificate, registrars and few other internal and external stakeholders who need to use TIN information.

Bank Solvency Certificate

Copy of National ID / Passport of owner / directors

Company Registration Certificate (for LLC only)

Articles of Memorandum and Association

RESOLVED that the said Director be and is hereby appointed as a member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Duplicate Import Policy Order containing signature (sin+ed) page.

Evidence of Payment of Government Fee

Reminder: Inaccurate or missing data can hold up your IRC approval. You may want to consult with an expert for compliance.

Significance of Hiring an IRC Registration Consultant

Trying to deal with the IRC without knowledge can result in the:closing down of your application being rejected getting into trouble before the law By taking professional help of IRC Trademark Consultant the following would be ensured:

Accurate paperwork

Adherence to the most current trade practices

Fast-tracked processing

Right of updates or of renewal

Consultants Services: What to Anticipate

A full-service Import License IRC Consultancy in Bangladesh usually provides:

Pre-assessment

FREE initial consultation to determine eligibility and discuss business structure.

Document Preparation

Instructions on how to gather, compile, and format necessary materials.

Online Application Handling

Submission of IRC application and CCI&E follow up.

Payment Processing

Gov’t fee calculation and payment.

Post-Approval Support

Support for IRC renew, modify or build-on other licenses (bond license/export license, etc.)

How Long Does It Take To Register On IRC?

The registration usually takes between 7 and 10 business days if all documentation are in order. With a pro you can probably reduce this amount of time thanks to pre-validation and fast tracks.

Typical Errors and How to Avoid Them

Below are some common mistakes applicants make:

Providing out of date or invalid trade licenses
Wrong assignment (commercialiser les IRC industriels)
Incomplete bank certificates
False information between TIN and trade license
Not updating the company’s business address or director details

Solution: Align yourself with a consultant who gets it right the first time.

Updating and Revising Your IRC

To renew IRC certificates using the CCI&E portal Users need to renew IRC certificates once every year, through the CCI&E portal. Business operations changes (e.g. new directors, change of address, or transfer of ownership) must be reported in a timely manner.

A consultant will manage:

Annual renewal filing

Amendments to state business type or business name

Changes of director or shareholder

Bank account updates

Advantages of Hiring a Professional Expert

There are many benefits in hiring the right IRC consultant:

Time Benefits: Quicker approval and less delay.

Cost Effective: No need for re-application and penalties

Risk Protection: Avoid legal and compliance headaches

Strategic guidance for aligning IRC with business objectives (e.g., export readiness)

All-in-one service that includes VAT, BIN, bond licenses, trade advisory (sometimes).

Selecting the Right IRC Expert in Bangladesh

When choosing an IRC registration expert, there are other factors to consider as well.

Experience & Track Record

Work with Consultants with experience and history of Customer Success.

Legal and Trade Knowledge

Opt for someone who is plugged in when it comes to ever-changing trade policy.

Transparent Pricing

Avoid hidden charges. Request an itemized schedule of fees.

Client Support

Make sure they have back end support (renewal, amendment, LC setup).

Registration with the Appropriate Authorities

Check if the consultant is a member of business chambers or trade associations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the validity and expiration period of an IRC in Bangladesh?

IRC expires and must be renewed annually, typically by June 30 of each year.

Are foreign-owned companies eligible to apply for an IRC?

Yes. A foreign owned company can apply if: The company is registered with RJSC and has provided all the documents.

What is the difference between commercial IRC and industrial IRC?

Trade Warez IRC: To sell/trade pirated goods.

Trade IRC: For imports of raw materials and capital goods.

How much does registering with IRC cost?

The government fees range from BDT 5,000– 15,000, depending on the nature of business. Consultant fees are additional and payable separately.

Can I bring in without IRC?

No, is an offence punishable by law to import any goods without an IRC.

Conclusion

Getting an Import Registration Certificate (IRC): Initial step for starting Import Business in Bangladesh Obtaining an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) is the first step for any entrepreneurs who want to start import Business in Bangladesh. Although there are various layers of documentation, verification, and legal compliance involved, a good consultant for IRC registration can make its process easy for you.

Collaborating with an expert IRC consultant in Bangladesh means your paperwork will be in order, your application processed quicker, and your business can soon start to import — free from stress or uncertainty.

Whether you are just starting up a local business or looking to expand internationally, local lawyers can provide expert advice to the foreign investor who wants to ensure their business stays on the right side of the law and that they have everything they need to set up and trade as they desire.