The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued the Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agent Licensing Regulations, 2026, aiming to improve service quality for importers and exporters by fostering a more competitive and transparent customs brokerage environment.
The new regulations were promulgated through a gazette notification on January 8, 2026 (SRO No. 04-Ain/2026/Customs), repealing the Customs Agent Licensing Regulations, 2020, in line with the Customs Act, 2023.
Until now, there was no standalone set of rules specifically governing the licensing of C&F agents. Licences had been issued under the broader Customs Agent Licensing Regulations, 2020.
According to the NBR, the introduction of a separate and updated regulatory framework is intended to modernise operations, simplify procedures, and better reflect the evolving needs of customs clearance and forwarding activities.
Officials said the new regulations are expected to enhance efficiency at customs stations, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and ensure improved compliance, ultimately benefiting businesses engaged in international trade.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the requirement for prior approval from the NBR to determine the number of C&F agent licences for a specific customs station.
Under the new system, all candidates who pass the prescribed examination and are deemed eligible will be able to obtain a C&F agent licence, a move aimed at encouraging competition and expanding professional participation in the sector.
The regulations also introduce a more structured and predictable licensing process.
The NBR will conduct examinations on a regular basis, and the entire licensing process will be completed within a fixed timeframe each year.
This is expected to reduce uncertainty for applicants and ensure timely availability of licensed agents in the market.
Another notable provision addresses the issue of licence validity when a land customs station is declared closed.
Previously, licences issued for such stations would be cancelled. Under the new rules, C&F agent licences linked to a closed land customs station will no longer be automatically revoked.
Instead, licence holders will be allowed to operate at any other functional customs station through an adjustment of jurisdiction, enabling continuity of business and protecting livelihoods.
The NBR said these reforms reflect its commitment to facilitating trade, aligning customs procedures with modern practices, and supporting the government's broader agenda of improving the ease of doing business in Bangladesh.
Stakeholders in the import-export community have long demanded a clearer, more flexible licensing framework for C&F agents.
The NBR, in a press release, believes the 2026 regulations will help professionalise the sector, ensure better service delivery, and contribute to smoother customs clearance operations across the country.
