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Exports

Government to Implement Online System for Paying Export and Import Duties

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The government of Bangladesh has announced its plan to implement an online system for paying export and import duties, marking a significant shift towards automation in customs tax payments. The new system, known as Automated Challan (A-Challan), will allow customs duties to be paid directly into the government treasury through various payment modes, including internet banking, debit/credit cards, and mobile financial services. This move aims to streamline customs tax payments, reduce financial inefficiencies, and promote greater transparency in revenue collection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Automated Challan (A-Challan) system will be implemented across the country from July 7, replacing the traditional challan system.
  • The A-Challan system supports multiple payment modes, including internet banking, debit/credit cards, and mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket, Nagad, Upay, mCash, and TrustPay.
  • System-generated receipt numbers are used to clear goods from the port, allowing importers and exporters to release their goods quickly.
  • Payments can be made at any branch counter of 61 banks, with over 11,700 branches, via account debit or check clearing.
  • The A-Challan system has reduced financial inefficiencies by enabling faster clearance of goods, as duties and taxes deposited online are instantly reflected in the treasury.
  • The system has been implemented in three pilot programs at ICD Kamalapur Customs House, Pangaon Customs House, and Chittagong Customs House, with successful results.
  • The government aims to utilize the instant cash flow from the e-challan system to improve fiscal discipline and promote financial efficiency.

Statistics:

  • Over Tk13 crore in customs duties was deposited instantly into the treasury on July 3, against 75 bills of entry.
  • The new system has the potential to reduce payment processing time from several days to mere seconds.
  • 61 banks have over 11,700 branch counters where payments can be made via account debit or check clearing.
  • The A-Challan system has been jointly implemented by NBR's Asycuda World team and the Finance Division's iBAS++ team.

Sources:

  • Government of Bangladesh
  • National Board of Revenue (NBR)
  • Finance Division
  • Daily Prothom Alo
  • The Financial Express

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