DHAKA, Jan 2, 2025 (BSS) - The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has made a
soft launching of the National Single Window (NSW), bringing seven customs
agencies under one system in a bid to ease the import and export processes
for businesses.

The project, which was undertaken in 2017, aims to streamline trade
operations by ultimately combining the activities of 19 agencies related to
customs under one system.

The window was launched at a city hotel this evening.

Adviser to the Ministry on Environment, Forests and Climate Change and
Ministry of Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Chief Adviser's Special
Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi who were present at the event
as special guests formally inaugurated the Bangladesh Single Window Portal.

The seven agencies currently brought under NSW are the Department of
Environment (DoE), the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), the
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the Department of Explosives, the Bangladesh
National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention, the Bangladesh Economic
Zones Authority (BEZA) and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority
(BEPZA).

The agencies have started implementing go-live or automation processes. From
now on, traders will be able to avail of all types of certifications,
licenses, and permits related to import and export from the said agencies
online using the window.

Businesses will no longer need to visit the offices in person to get the
necessary documents. The remaining 12 agencies will be integrated into the
window on 28 February, marking the full launch of the system.

The NBR initiated the project dubbed "National Single Window" in 2017 to
bring the activities of different customs agencies dealing with customs-
related activities under one umbrella and thus enhance trade operations by
eliminating paperwork and reducing time through maintaining up-to-date
information.

The window will automate and streamline procedures for international trade-
related permits, licenses, certificates, and customs declarations.

It is expected to reduce paperwork, time, and costs for traders. It also aims
to prevent tax evasion with the assistance of the World Bank.

Using the system, an importer-exporter can obtain all the certificates,
licenses and permits and submit the necessary information on a single online
platform for clearance of goods. The consignment can be redeemed at the
earliest through the certificate issued on the basis of the submitted data.

The system has an Internet-based information window for all organisations
involved in international trade. Once fully operational, the window will make
the import-export procedure easier, reduce the cost of doing business and
speed up goods clearance from ports.

The system, single window has two main systems- BSW (Bangladesh Single
Window) software and ARMS (Advance Risk Management System), which is
implementable as per Article 10.7 of the TF Agreement. The ARMS system is
linked to the BSW software.

If a trader applies for a CLP (Certificate, License, Permits) on the BSW
platform, the application will be immediately forwarded to the authorities
concerned with feedback on the previous track record of the applicant with
the help of ARMS.

As a result, the authorities will be aware of the applicant's track record
and will be able to make decisions on CLP issues through risk management
where applicable. BSW software has a total of nine modules.

Out of 119 CLPs issued by the Certificate, License, Permits Issuing Authority
(CLPIA), 81 CLP configurations have been completed. The 81 CLPs are live and
importers-exporters can already avail of this automated facility.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed was present at the soft launching of the
National Single Window "Journey Towards Seamless Trade" as the chief guest.

NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan presided over the function. NBR member
(customs: export, bond and IT) Md Moazzem Hossain gave the inaugural speech
while Deputy Project Manager Zahid Hossain gave an overview and live
demonstration of Bangladesh Single Window Portal.

The main objectives of the NSW project are trade facilitation, single
submission, reduced cost and time for trade, expedited release and clearance,
integrated risk management, reduced human interaction, smooth track and
trace, real time stakeholder coordination and electronic payment.

The benefits of a Single Window System for the government side include better
trade data and more revenue collections due to better efficiency and
compliance.

Besides, there is also increased productivity because it improved facilities,
a regulated and supervised work environment and increased customs revenue.

Apart from these, the online service will result in quicker clearing times
and a more predictable and transparent customs process.

It would also benefit from decreased corruption brought on by better
governance, transparency and the absence of possibilities for direct contact.

Bangladesh National Single Window Project Director Jewel Ahmed made a power-
point presentation.