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Export Guide · Step 7 of 8
Step 7: Register with Export Promotion Bureau (EPB)
Register your company with the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) to become eligible for cash incentives, market development assistance, and international trade fair participation subsidies.
Export Guide — Your progress
Step 7 of 8
Register your company with the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) to become eligible for cash incentives, market development assistance, and international trade fair participation subsidies.
Full Guide
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is the apex export promotion agency of Bangladesh, under the Ministry of Commerce. While EPB registration is not legally mandatory for exporting (the ERC is sufficient for that), it IS mandatory if you want to claim cash incentives (1-20% of FOB value depending on sector), access the Export Development Fund (EDF) for working capital, participate in subsidised international trade fairs, or receive market development assistance.
EPB registration is via the online portal at epb.portal.gov.bd. Required documents: ERC, Trade License, TIN, BIN, Bank Certificate, sector association membership, audited financial statements (or projected for new companies), and a brief company profile. The registration fee is BDT 1,000 (annual renewal BDT 500). Processing time: 5-7 working days.
Once registered, you receive a unique EPB Exporter ID which must be quoted on all EE-2 quarterly returns (cash incentive claims). EPB also issues Certificates of Origin (Form A for GSP, Form APTA, Form SAFTA) for preferential tariff treatment — these are critical for entering EU, USA, Japan, and other preferential markets at reduced or zero duty.
EPB services you should actively use:
- Monthly Export Performance Reports: free data on Bangladesh export by product, destination, and trend (also available on the EPB portal)
- Trade Missions & Fairs: EPB organises 30+ international trade fairs annually with subsidised stalls (50-100% discount)
- Market Development Assistance: up to BDT 5 lakh reimbursement for foreign buyer visits, brand registration abroad, and product certification costs
- Export Trophy: annual award for top exporters in each sector (significant reputational boost)
- Skill Development Training: free training programmes on export documentation, quality management, e-commerce export, etc.
EPB also publishes the annual Export Diversification Strategy and Sector Roadmaps — essential reading for strategic planning. Their monthly statistical bulletin is the authoritative source for Bangladesh export data.
EPB registration is via the online portal at epb.portal.gov.bd. Required documents: ERC, Trade License, TIN, BIN, Bank Certificate, sector association membership, audited financial statements (or projected for new companies), and a brief company profile. The registration fee is BDT 1,000 (annual renewal BDT 500). Processing time: 5-7 working days.
Once registered, you receive a unique EPB Exporter ID which must be quoted on all EE-2 quarterly returns (cash incentive claims). EPB also issues Certificates of Origin (Form A for GSP, Form APTA, Form SAFTA) for preferential tariff treatment — these are critical for entering EU, USA, Japan, and other preferential markets at reduced or zero duty.
EPB services you should actively use:
- Monthly Export Performance Reports: free data on Bangladesh export by product, destination, and trend (also available on the EPB portal)
- Trade Missions & Fairs: EPB organises 30+ international trade fairs annually with subsidised stalls (50-100% discount)
- Market Development Assistance: up to BDT 5 lakh reimbursement for foreign buyer visits, brand registration abroad, and product certification costs
- Export Trophy: annual award for top exporters in each sector (significant reputational boost)
- Skill Development Training: free training programmes on export documentation, quality management, e-commerce export, etc.
EPB also publishes the annual Export Diversification Strategy and Sector Roadmaps — essential reading for strategic planning. Their monthly statistical bulletin is the authoritative source for Bangladesh export data.
Do-This Checklist
- Create account at epb.portal.gov.bd
- Upload ERC + all company documents
- Pay annual registration fee (BDT 1,000)
- Receive EPB Exporter ID (unique identifier)
- Apply for Form A / Form APTA / Form SAFTA as needed
- Subscribe to EPB monthly statistical bulletin (free)
- Apply for trade fair participation (annual cycle)
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Not registering with EPB — cannot claim cash incentives (loss of 1-20% revenue)
- Using wrong Form (A vs APTA vs SAFTA) — preferential tariff denied at destination
- Not maintaining monthly export data submission — EPB registration suspended
- Missing trade fair application deadline (March for next fiscal year fairs)
Ready for the next step?
View Bangladesh Export Statistics
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