G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
 
 
22 February 2021  
(21-1461) Page: 1/9 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATEGORY COMMITMENTS  UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM BANGLADESH  
Addendum  
The following communica tion, dated 18 February 2021 , is being circulated at th e request of the 
delegation of  Bangladesh  for Members' informa tion. 
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up from the notification dated 9 March  2020 (G/TFA/N/BGD/1 /Add. 3), Bangladesh hereby  
notifies its indicative dates for its category C designations in response to Article 16 of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (WT/L/931).  
 
Provision  Heading/description  Indica tive date for 
implementation  
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  30 June 2026  
Article 1.4(c)  Notification  30 June 2026  
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  30 June 2030  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  30 June 2025  
Article 7.4  Risk Management  30 June 2030  
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  30 June 2026  
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures  for Authorized  Operators  30 June 2026  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  30 June 2026  
Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  30 June 2030  
Article 8  Border  Agency Cooperation  30 June 2030  
Article 10.1.1(a ) Formalities  and Documentation Requirements  30 June 2030  
Article 10.4  Single Window  30 June 2030  
Article 11.5  Freedom of Transit  30 June 2030 
Article 11.9  Freedom of Transit  30 June 2030  
Article 11.16  Freedom of Transit  30 June 2030  
 
For ease of reference, Bangladesh 's full list of category commitments can be found in the table 
attached herewith.  
  
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 2 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
Article 1.1 .1(a)-
1.1.1(b)  Publication  A - - - 
   Article 1.1.1(c)   B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
   Article 1.1.1(d) -
1.1.1(g)   A - - - 
   Article 1.1.1(h)   B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
   Article 1.1.1(i) -
1.1.1 -(j)  A - - - 
Article 1.2 .1(a)-
1.2.1(b)  Information Available through Internet  A - - - 
Article 1.2.1(c)   B 20 February 2022  31 December 2023  - 
Article 1.2.2 -
1.2.3  A - - - 
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  C 30 June 2026  To be determined  The National Enquiry Point for 
Customs is already established.  
The National Enquiry Point for Trade is 
being established with technical 
assistance from the World Bank 
Group.  
Assistance required (related to the 
National Enquiry Point for Trade):  
1. Support for legislation  
2. Consultation with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
3. Training  
4. Capacity development  
5. Needs Assessment  
Article 1.4 (a)-
1.4(b)  Notification  B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
Article 1.4(c)  C 30 June 2026  To be determined  The National Enquiry Point for 
Customs is already established.  
The National Enquiry Point for Trade is 
being established with technical 
assistance from the World Bank 
Group.  
Assistance required (related to the 
National Enquiry Point for Trade):  
1. Support for legislation  
2. Consultation with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
3. Training   
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 3 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
4. Capacity development  
5. Needs Assessment  
Article 2  Opportunity  to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations  
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2022  - 
Article 2.2  Consultations  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2022  - 
Article 3  Advance Rulings  
 A - - - 
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
   Article 4.1 -4.5  A - - - 
   Article 4.6   B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
Article 5.2  Detention  A - - - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 30 June 2030  To be determined  The Department of Plant Quarantine, 
Bangladesh Standards & Testing 
Institute, Bangladesh Atomic Energy 
Commission, Department of livestock, 
Department of Fisheries do not have 
sufficient laboratories for 2nd tests.  It 
has now become a challenge for them. 
Techn ical assistance is required to 
establish testing laboratories and other 
logistics and also capacity building for 
Test Procedures. Development 
partners' assistance is required in the 
following areas:  
1. Equipment  
2. Calibration  
3. New lab  
4. Training and capacity buil ding 
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with Importation 
and Exportation  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2021  - 
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for 
Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and Exportation  B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2022  -  
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 4 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 30 June 2025  To be determined  The National Board of Revenue  is 
currently working to implement this 
Measure with technical assistance from 
the USAID.  
Assistance required:  
1. Support for legislation  
2. Consultation with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
3. Training  
4. Capacity development  
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2022  - 
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  A - - - 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 30 June 2030  To be determined  The National Board of Revenue is 
currently working to implement this 
measure with technical assistance 
from the USAID and the World Bank 
Group (WBG). Assistance required:  
1. Support for legislation  
2. Consultation  
3. Training  
4. Capacity development  
5. Need Assessment  
 
The Plant Quarantine Wing has 
previously received training from the 
WBG. It requires assistance from 
development partners for : 
1. Capacity development of 
surveillance mechanism  
2. Establishment of pest Risk 
Analysis (PRA) procedure  
3. Technical support on risk 
assessment and mitigation  
4. Documentary and awareness 
development program in social 
media for moral and ethical 
responsibilities  
5. preparation of some SOPs and 
manuals for risk management 
issues  
  
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
The Bangladesh Standards and 
Testing Institute (BSTI) is working to 
implement this measure with technical 
assistance from the World Bank 
Group. It requires assistance for:  
1. Stabilization of the risk 
management system following 
international best practices.  
2. Training for the Risk Management 
Committee members.  
3. On-site visit for Risk Management 
Committee that have successfully 
established the system.  
No development partner is currently 
working with Bangladesh Atomic 
Energy Commission in this regard. It 
requires  assistance from development 
partners in the area of risk 
management.  
For Developing laborator y facilities, 
accredited process is going on. The 
Plant Quarantine Wing of DAE needs 
official assistance.  
 
The automation process of import and 
export permit s has already been 
started . 
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 30 June 2026  To be determined  The National Board of Revenue  is 
currently working in collaboration with 
the USAID (for transaction -based 
audit) and the Asian Development 
Bank (for system -based audit) to 
become compliant with this Measure.  
Assistance required:  
1. Consultation  with stakeholders 
through workshops, semina rs and 
round table meetings  
2. Training  
3. Capacity development  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  A - - -  
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  C 30 June 2026  To be determined  The National Board of Revenue  is 
currently working in collaboration with 
the USAID and the Asian Development 
Bank to implement the AEO system in 
Bangladesh.  
Assistance required:  
1. Consultation  with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
2. Training  
3. Capacit y development  
4. Need Assessment  
5. Support for Legislation  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 30 June 2026  To be determined  The USAID is providing technical 
assistance to the National Board of 
Revenue  in establishing an expedited 
courier system that complies with 
international best practice.  
Assistance required:  
1. Consultation  with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
2. Training  
3. Capacity development  
4. Infrastructure Support  
Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  C 30 June 2030  To be determined  No development partner has so far 
offered any assistance in the area of 
perishable goods.  
Assistance required:  
1. Support for legislation  
2. Consultation  with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars a nd 
round table meetings  
3. Training  
4. Capacity development  
5. Infrastructure Support  
Again, Port authorities require both 
technical (feasibility study, drawing, 
design etc.) and financial 
(infrastructure, equipment, 
maintenance etc.) assistance.   
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 7 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 30 June 2030  To be determined  (A) In-country border -agency 
cooperation:  
The World Bank Group has agreed to 
provide loan assistance in the area of 
coordinated border management.  
The Plant Quarantine Wing requires 
assistance from development partners 
for establishing strong cooperation 
with all border agencies.  
 
(B) Cross -border agency 
cooperation:  
No development partner has so far 
offered any assistance in the area of 
cross-border agency cooperation. 
SASEC  program under ADB 
coordinates activities in different South 
Asian countries.  
Assistance required:  
1. Negotiation and Consultation  
2. Capacity development  
3. Infrastructure  
4. Automation  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import  under Customs Control  
 A - - - 
Article 10  Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1.1(a)  Formalities and Documentation Requirements  C 30 June 2030  To be determined  No development partner has so far 
offered any assistance in the area of 
perishable goods.  
Assistance required:  
1. Training  
2. Capacity development  
Again, Plant Quarantine Wing requires 
assistance for - (a) the preparation of a 
valid organigram of a Plant Quarantine 
Authority in Bangladesh, and (b) the 
establishment of E -Phyto System.  
   Article 
10.1.1(b) -10.1.2  A - - - 
   Article 10.2.1  Acceptance of Copies  A - - - 
   Article 10.2.2 -
10.2.3  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2022  -  
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 8 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  A - - - 
   Article 10.4  Single Window  C 30 June 2030 To be determined  The National Board of Revenue  is 
currently implementing the project 
with loan assistance from the World 
Bank.  
Assistance required:  
1. Support for legislation  
2. Consultatio n with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
3. Training  
4. Capacity development  
5. Coordination mechanism among 
intra and inter agencies is required  
Again, ICT related assistance (both 
hardware and software) will be 
required at the ports.  
Further, technical assistance for data 
standard management wi ll be required 
at BCSIR.  
   Article 10.5.1  Pre-shipment Inspection  A - - - 
   Article 10.5.2  B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
   Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  A - - - 
   Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  A - - - 
   Article 10.8  Rejected Goods  A - - - 
   Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2022  - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
   Article 11.1 -
11.4  A - - - 
   Article 11.5  C 30 June 2030  To be determined  No development partner has so far 
offered any assistance in the area of 
traffic -in-transit (establishing separate 
physical infrastructure for traffic -in-
transit).  
Assistance required:  
1. Consultation  with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
2. Training  
3. Capacity development   
  G/TFA/N/BGD/1/Add.4  
 
- 9 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
4. Development of Integrated Transit 
Policy  
   Article 11.6 -
11.8 A - - - 
   Article 11.9  C 30 June 2030  To be determined  No development partner has so far 
offered any assistance in the area of 
traffic -in-transit (allowing advance 
filing and processing of transit 
documentation and data prior to 
arrival of goods under traffic -in-
transit).  
Assistance required:  
1. Support for legislation  
2. Consultation  with stakeholders 
through workshops, seminars and 
round table meetings  
3. Training  
4. Capacity development.  
5. Development of Integrated Transit 
Policy  
   Article 11.10 -
11.14  A - - - 
   Article 11.15  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2021  - 
   Article 11.16  C 30 June 2030  To be determined  1. No donor ag ency is working on this 
measure, s o support is required  
2. Assistance is required for 
Development of Integrated Transit 
Policy  
   Article 11.17  B 20 February 2020  30 June 2023  - 
Article 12  Customs Cooperation  
 B 20 February 2020  31 December 2023  - 
 
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