Baseline registrations

Foundational registrations most businesses encounter: entity formation, tax and local trade permissions.

Company / Partnership / Society Registration
Authority: RJSC • Legal: Companies Act 1994; Partnership Act 1932; Societies Reg. Act 1860
When needed: To form a legal entity — prereq: name clearance, MoA/AoA, registered address, NID/passport. Timeline: 3–10 business days (company).
Trade License
Authority: City Corporation / Municipality / Union • Legal: Local Government Acts
When needed: Lawful trade in local jurisdiction — prereq: e‑TIN, rent deed, landlord NOC. Validity: 1 year. Timeline: 3–7 days (varies).
e‑TIN
Authority: NBR • Legal: Income Tax Ordinance 1984
When needed: Income tax registration. Timeline: typically same day. Tip: align registered address with trade license.
VAT BIN
Authority: NBR (VAT Online) • Legal: VAT & SD Act 2012
When needed: VAT compliance & import/export — prereq: TIN, trade license, bank info. Timeline: same day–3 days.

Trade & customs

Key authorisations for importers and exporters.

Import Registration Certificate (IRC)
Authority: CCI&E • Need: Commercial imports. Prereq: TIN, BIN, trade license, bank solvency. Timeline: 7–15 days.
Export Registration Certificate (ERC)
Authority: CCI&E • Need: Commercial exports. Timeline: 7–15 days. Tip: register at EPB if export‑linked.
Bonded Warehouse License
Authority: NBR (Bond) • Need: Duty deferment for EOUs. Timeline: 1–3 months. Prereq: EOU status, premises, bond.

Investment & zones

Approvals for projects seeking incentives or operating inside special zones.

BIDA Project Registration
Authority: BIDA • Need: project facilitation & incentives. Prereq: incorporation; project profile. Timeline: 7–20 days.
BEPZA Enterprise License (EPZ)
Authority: BEPZA • Need: operate in EPZs. Timeline: 2–6 weeks. Note: bond regime and customs formalities integrated.
BEZA Unit Approval / License
Authority: BEZA • Need: operate in economic zones. Timeline: 2–6 weeks. Tip: single-window desks are common.

Safety & site

Site-level approvals and safety certifications often required before occupancy or operation.

Building Permit & Occupancy
Authority: RAJUK/CDA/KDA/RDA • Need: construct/alter/occupy building. Prereq: architectural/structural plans, soil test, NOCs. Tip: avoid installing plant before occupancy approvals are clear.
Fire License / Fire Safety NOC
Authority: FSCD • Need: premises fire safety compliance. Timeline: 10–21 days (post-readiness). Inspections: site.
Environmental Clearance (ECC)
Authority: DoE • Legal: Environment Conservation Act & Rules. Prereq: IEE/EIA; process note. Timeline: 2–8+ weeks depending on category. Tip: start ECC early.
Factory Registration / License
Authority: DIFE • Need: operate a factory. Prereq: building approval; welfare facilities. Timeline: 10–25 days after readiness. Inspections: yes.

Finance

Licenses and registrations for banks, non‑bank financial institutions and payment operators.

Bank license
Authority: Bangladesh Bank • Legal: Bank Company Act. Prereq: capital, promoters fit & proper. Timeline: multi‑month; intensive scrutiny.
Non‑Bank Financial Institution (NBFI)
Authority: Bangladesh Bank • Legal: Financial Institutions Act 1993. Timeline: 3–6+ months. Prereq: capital, experienced management.
PSP / PSO (Payment services)
Authority: Bangladesh Bank • Need: payment services/operators. Prereq: capital, IT/security audits, AML/CFT. Timeline: 2–4+ months.

Telecom & ICT

Licenses administered by BTRC and related bodies for telecom and internet services.

PSTN License
Authority: BTRC • Need: fixed telephony. Prereq: rollout, interconnection, numbering. Timeline: 3–6+ months.
ISP License (NAT/ZON/DIS)
Authority: BTRC • Need: internet services. Validity: 5–10 years. Timeline: 4–10 weeks.
Certifying Authority (digital signatures)
Authority: CCA • Need: issue digital certificates (PKI). Prereq: PKI infra, CPS/CP, audits. Timeline: 2–5+ months.

Health & pharma

Hospital / Clinic / Diagnostic License
Authority: DGHS • Need: private health facility. Prereq: premises, equipment, HR, waste management. Timeline: 3–8+ weeks. Inspections: yes.
Drug License (Retail/Wholesale/Manufacturing)
Authority: DGDA • Prereq: pharmacist, storage, premises. Timeline: 2–6+ weeks. Inspections: yes.
Radiation Use / Import (X‑ray/CT/Industrial)
Authority: BAERA • Prereq: RCO, shielding, safety plan. Timeline: 3–10+ weeks. Inspections: yes.

Food & agriculture

Food Business Registration / License
Authority: BFSA + Local Health • Prereq: premises, hygiene, water, pest control. Timeline: 1–4 weeks. Inspections: yes.
Seed Dealer Registration
Authority: DAE / NSB • Prereq: storage, technical capacity. Timeline: 2–4 weeks.

Energy & power

Power Generation License
Authority: BERC • Need: generate electricity. Prereq: technical proposal, EIA, PPA/fuel. Timeline: multi‑month.
LPG Storage / Bottling / Distribution
Authority: BERC + Dept of Explosives • Prereq: design approvals, QRA, safety distances. Timeline: 2–6+ months. Inspections: yes.

Transport & logistics

Commercial vehicle route / permit / fitness
Authority: BRTA • Need: operate commercial vehicles. Validity: annual. Timeline: same day–2 weeks.
CFS / Off‑dock / ICD
Authority: NBR + Shipping/Port • Need: container freight station operations. Timeline: 3–6 months. Inspections: yes.

IP & digital

Trademark / Patent / Design Registration
Authority: DPDT • Need: protect IP assets. Timeline: months (varies). Tip: file early to secure priority dates.
E‑waste / Plastic EPR Authorization
Authority: DoE • Need: producers/importers in covered categories. Prereq: EPR plan; take‑back; reporting. Timeline: 4–12 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Which registrations are essential to start operations?
Typically: entity incorporation (RJSC), e‑TIN (NBR), trade license (local authority) and VAT/BIN where applicable. Sectoral approvals may be required before occupancy or operation.
How long should I allow for environmental clearance (ECC)?
ECC timelines depend on project category and the need for an IEE or EIA; expect 2–8+ weeks in many cases. Start early to avoid downstream delays.
Can I begin operations before an occupancy certificate or fire NOC?
No—many municipal and safety approvals are preconditions for lawful occupation or operation. Risk of enforcement and insurance denial exists if operations commence prematurely.
What is a practical order of filings for a new factory?
Common path: company registration → trade license/e‑TIN → land/plan approval (RAJUK) → ECC (DoE, if required) → fire NOC → factory registration (DIFE) → specific sector certificates (BSTI, Boiler, Explosives if applicable).
How do I assemble a filing checklist for submission?
Start with entity documents (MoA/AoA, directors’ IDs), then collect premises and technical documents (leases, plans, safety designs), followed by specialist reports (IEE/EIA, testing certificates). Use a single-window or checklist to track dependencies and timelines.

Practical checklist — how to build a filing pack

Use the pin buttons above to collect jurisdictional items you must file. The drawer (bottom of the page) shows pinned items; you can copy, print or export them.

Core dossier items
Certificate of incorporation; memorandum & articles; current directors’ IDs; trade license; e‑TIN/BIN printouts; lease / ownership proofs; recent utility bills.
Site & technical
Architectural and structural drawings; soil test reports; equipment datasheets; fire safety plan; environmental impact or IEE as required; QRA for hazardous storage.
Operations & HR
Staff lists and qualifications; occupational safety / PPE matrix; biomedical/medical SOPs for health facilities; payroll and statutory registers for labour filings.
Third‑party checks
Testing lab reports for BSTI product approvals; penetration and security audit reports for PSP/MFS applicants; actuarial/solvency materials for insurers.