Import registration certificate (IRC)

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Import registration certificate IRC

The Import Registration Certificate (IRC) is an essential legal document for all those who want to do an import business in Bangladesh. In an ever increasingly global economy, frictionless cross-border trade is a must have — and the IRC provides the key to unfettered international sourcing, procurement and commerce. It doesn’t matter if you are a startup, a small to medium enterprise or a large multinational company, knowing and obtaining an IRC is one way to develop a robust import business in Bangladesh.

This resourceful roadmap will walk you through everything there is you need to know about the IRC – from what it is, what its benefits are, how to apply for it, renew it and how engaging professional consultancy services can help make this whole journey smooth and easy.

What is an IRC?

What is an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) in Bangladesh? An Import Registration Certificate (IRC) is the permission certificate provided by the government authority in Bangladesh which permits the user (corporate entity) to import commercial items from other countries. This certificate is from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E) of the Ministry of Commerce.

“IRC” It is the basic registration license for importing and applicable for Opening L/C, clearance from customs, foreign currency remittance for import etc.\andidatesintrc The IRC is a precondition for Importers to import and is a prerequisite for obtaining GSP Certificate, a must for Exporter.

The Legal Basis for IRC in Bangladesh

The IRC is issued and administered under:

Import Policy Order administered by the Ministry of Commerce.

Imports and Exports (Control) Act 1950.

Relevant NBR circulars and Bangladesh Bank circulars.

As a result, any commercial activity of import of goods without an IRC will result in penalties, seizure of goods and suspension of business activities.

Types of IRC in Bangladesh

There are usually two types of IRC:

General IRC

For Traders, Commercial Importers and Distributors.

Permits resale or barter.

Industrial IRC

For producers or plants.

Permits to Import raw material, machine, components etc. for production purpose.

The nature of your business will dictate the kind of IRC you will need. Consultants can often tell you which will work best for your operations.

Who Needs an IRC?

Bangladesh Organisation You must have an IRC if you are a business operating in Bangladesh importing goods for commercial or industrial purposes. Eligible entities include:

Private Limited Companies

Public Limited Companies

Sole Proprietorships

Partnership Firms

Multinational Corporations

Others (for qualified categories of imports, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Advantages of Having an Import Registration Certificate

LEGAL AUTHORIZATION FOR IMPORTS

IRC is a legal document to import goods at Bangladeshi markets. It’s your official passport into the world of international trade.

Opening of LCs (Letters of Credit)

All Bangladeshi banks ask for a genuine IRC for dealing any LC request. Without them, it is impossible to bring goods in through banks.

Customs Clearance

To clear the goods at any Bangladeshi port you are supposed to produce an IRC along with the Bill of Entry and necessary other documents.

Foreign Currency Transactions

IRC is a must to receive foreign currency against Bangladeshi currency through authorized dealers of Bangladesh Bank.

Enhanced Business Credibility

IRC increases your credit rating in the market at both local and international level that you are conducting your business in accordance with national trade law.

Requirements for an IRC (Import Registration Certificate)

Documentation for an IRC To obtain an IRC, there is a checklist of documentation and licensing criteria that a business needs to meet.

Required Documents

Valid Trade License

TIN Number Certificate (Tax Payer’s Identification Number)

VAT/BIN (Business Identification Number) certificate

National ID/Passport of Owner/Directors

Bank Solvency Certificate

Articles together with memorandum of association (for limited companies).

Memorandum and Articles of Assoc (For limited companies)

Revised Rental Receipt or Utility Bill

Certificate of Membership with Chamber of Commerce (if any)

Two (2) Copies of the IRC Application Form

Note: Depending on the type of business, CCI&E may ask for further documents.

IRC registration in Bangladesh -Step by Step Process

Step 1: Business Establishment and Licensing

Step Three: License and Registration Make sure your business is licensed and has TIN, no, a VAT/BIN certificates.

Step 2: Bank account balance and solvency certificate

Open a business bank account under the company name. Ask that a bank solvency certificate be issued stating that your business has enough money to handle imports.

Step 3: Sign Up on the One-Stop Service (OSS) Portal

All IRC applications are now processed via the CCI&E One-Stop Service Portal (oss. gov.bd). Set up your business profile and start your application online.

Step 4: Apply and Upload Your Documents

Fill and submit the application form of the IRC, along with the documents you are asked to upload, and indicate your category (general or industry).

Step 5: Treasury Payment

Deposit the prescribed IRC registration fees and treasury challans. Fees can also be paid by online payment services.

Step 6: Verification and Clearance

When you submit the CCI&E will review your application and may ask for more clarification or further documentation. If approved, the IRC is electronically generated.

Incentives for attending Incentives are described in terms of the IRC registration fees in Bangladesh

Fees depend on the kind and size of business. Typical costs include:

Govt Reg Fees : 5,000 – 10,000/-

Bank Solvency Vetting Varies (depending on just what isn’t)

Treasury Challan Remittance : Government Schedule

Fees for professional advice are extra if you choose to get assistance.

IRC Validity and Renewal

Validity

These IRCs usually expire after a year and must be renewed annually. The lack of renewal can result in deactivation.

Renewal Process

Log into the OSS Portal.

Submit new trade documents.

Pay the renewal fee.

Submit the renewal request.

It is strongly recommended to renew the IRC before the expiration date to prevent penalties or delays in trade.

IRC Modification or Cancellation

If there’s a major change in the substance of your business, you might need to revise your IRC. Examples include:

Change in business address

Director or ownership change

Add or remove of product categories

Amendments procedure The procedure for amendments shall be:

Application through OSS

Supporting Documents to be submitted

Approval by CCI&E

Request for Cancellation of IRC If OSE/BIE is closed or actively exiting from import operation, the local OSE may request a Cancellation of IRC.

Typical Problems of IRC Registration

While on the face of it IRC registration is simple, in practice it can be anything but:

Documentation mismatches

Misclassification (e.g., general vs. industrial)

Portal submission errors

item Bank solvency issuance lag

Non-alignment with VAT and TIN authorities

This is where an experienced IRC registration expert can be really helpful.

Why Use a Skilled IRC Consultant for Your Project?

You can make the entire procedure more straightforward by seeking the help of a consultant or consulting firm that is experienced and capable.

Key Benefits

Full-service experience: All the way from documentation to tracking the application.

Error-free filing: Don’t let silly mistakes cost you.

Quicker decision-making: Expedited by relations with complicated nodes.

Compliance expert: Make sure you comply with all trading, tax and banking regulations.

Continued support Continued support for renewal, audit and trade operations.

IRC vs. Export Registration Certificate (ERC)

Many businesses often confuse the IRC with the Export Registration Certificate (ERC). Here’s the key difference:

Feature	IRC	ERC
Purpose	To import goods into Bangladesh	To export goods from Bangladesh
Authority	CCI&E	CCI&E
Required For	Importing businesses	Exporting businesses
Bank Requirement	Needed for LC opening	Needed for export LC negotiation

Some businesses operating in both directions are required to hold both certificates.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is IRC full form in Bangladesh?

IRC is an acronym for Import Registration Certificate.

Is it compulsory for every importer in Bangladesh to open IIRC?

Yes. All commercial and industrial imports are subject to an IRC issuance by CCI&E, for any enterprise desiring to import goods.

How long does it take you to get an IRC?

If all your documents are correct and complete, approval in usually 7-10 working days.

Can I apply for IRC online?

Yes. Applications are made through the OSS (One-Stop Service) Portal maintained by the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports.

What if I import products without an IRC?

Import under no IRC is against trade regulations and may result in seizure/forfeiture of goods, penalty or legal action.

Does IRC apply to sole proprietors as well?

Yes. Even if you’re a sole proprietorship, you have to have an IRC if you’re importing products.

What is the difference between General vs Industrial IRC?

There are General Emulated IRC (GEIRC) and Industrial Emulated IRC (IEIRC).

Conclusion

Every company who wants to carry on its import business in Bangladesh has to obtain an Import Registration Certificate (IRC). It proves your import and activates vital trade services like LCs, customs clearances and currency conversion etc.

Though the process is standardized, it may contain enough nuances to slow approval or become a bottleneck. To avoid any risk and to save considerable amount of the time, most business owners wisely prefer to deal with an independent R&D consultant firm who offers full support from preparation to issuance.

No matter if you’re new to global business or already trading internationally, protecting your IRC is a critical first step. Don’t allow procedural obstacles to get in the way of your access to international markets — import smart, be compliant, and import, with confidence.