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Export Guide · Step 8 of 8
Step 8: Execute Your First Export Shipment
Now you are ready to ship. Process the export order, arrange production, prepare export documentation (EXP form, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L, Certificate of Origin), ship via freight forwarder, and repatriate proceeds within 120 days.
Export Guide — Your progress
Step 8 of 8
Now you are ready to ship. Process the export order, arrange production, prepare export documentation (EXP form, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L, Certificate of Origin), ship via freight forwarder, and repatriate proceeds within 120 days.
Full Guide
With all registrations complete, you are now ready to execute your first export shipment. The export process flow is: receive export order (from buyer via PO or LC), arrange production (if not already in stock), prepare export documentation, ship via freight forwarder, submit documents to bank, and receive payment.
The documentary process involves several critical forms:
1. **EXP Form** (Export Form): Filed with NBR via your bank's online portal before shipment. Contains exporter details, buyer details, product description, HS code, quantity, FOB/CIF value, country of destination, and port of loading. Bank verifies and approves — without this, customs will not clear the shipment.
2. **Commercial Invoice**: Issued by you (the exporter) to the buyer. Must show: invoice number, date, buyer/seller details, product description with HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, Incoterms (FOB/CIF/etc.), payment terms, and country of origin.
3. **Packing List**: Detailed breakdown of how goods are packed — carton numbers, gross/net weight, dimensions, marks & numbers. Required by customs and the buyer's clearing agent.
4. **Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)**: Issued by the shipping line or airline. Acts as receipt for goods, evidence of contract of carriage, and (for B/L) document of title. Original B/L is required for buyer to claim goods at destination.
5. **Certificate of Origin**: Issued by EPB. Form A for GSP countries (EU, UK, Japan), Form APTA for APTA members (China, India, Korea, etc.), Form SAFTA for SAARC members. Determines preferential tariff treatment at destination.
6. **Inspection Certificate**: For some products (food, pharma, chemicals), buyer may require pre-shipment inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek.
7. **Insurance Certificate**: If selling on CIF/CIP terms, you must provide marine insurance covering the voyage.
Shipping options: Sea freight (cheapest, 25-45 days to EU/USA via Chittagong port), Air freight (fastest, 3-7 days, expensive — use Shahjalal International Airport DAC), Land customs stations (for India/Nepal/Bhutan exports via Benapole, Akhaura, Burimari).
After shipment, submit all original documents to your bank within 7 days. Bank forwards to buyer's bank (under LC) or directly to buyer (under advance payment). Export proceeds must be repatriated to Bangladesh within 120 days of shipment — Bangladesh Bank monitors this strictly. Once proceeds are received, your bank credits your account and you can file the EE-2 quarterly return to claim any applicable cash incentive.
The documentary process involves several critical forms:
1. **EXP Form** (Export Form): Filed with NBR via your bank's online portal before shipment. Contains exporter details, buyer details, product description, HS code, quantity, FOB/CIF value, country of destination, and port of loading. Bank verifies and approves — without this, customs will not clear the shipment.
2. **Commercial Invoice**: Issued by you (the exporter) to the buyer. Must show: invoice number, date, buyer/seller details, product description with HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, Incoterms (FOB/CIF/etc.), payment terms, and country of origin.
3. **Packing List**: Detailed breakdown of how goods are packed — carton numbers, gross/net weight, dimensions, marks & numbers. Required by customs and the buyer's clearing agent.
4. **Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)**: Issued by the shipping line or airline. Acts as receipt for goods, evidence of contract of carriage, and (for B/L) document of title. Original B/L is required for buyer to claim goods at destination.
5. **Certificate of Origin**: Issued by EPB. Form A for GSP countries (EU, UK, Japan), Form APTA for APTA members (China, India, Korea, etc.), Form SAFTA for SAARC members. Determines preferential tariff treatment at destination.
6. **Inspection Certificate**: For some products (food, pharma, chemicals), buyer may require pre-shipment inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek.
7. **Insurance Certificate**: If selling on CIF/CIP terms, you must provide marine insurance covering the voyage.
Shipping options: Sea freight (cheapest, 25-45 days to EU/USA via Chittagong port), Air freight (fastest, 3-7 days, expensive — use Shahjalal International Airport DAC), Land customs stations (for India/Nepal/Bhutan exports via Benapole, Akhaura, Burimari).
After shipment, submit all original documents to your bank within 7 days. Bank forwards to buyer's bank (under LC) or directly to buyer (under advance payment). Export proceeds must be repatriated to Bangladesh within 120 days of shipment — Bangladesh Bank monitors this strictly. Once proceeds are received, your bank credits your account and you can file the EE-2 quarterly return to claim any applicable cash incentive.
Do-This Checklist
- Receive export order (Purchase Order or LC)
- Arrange production with quality control
- Engage freight forwarder (sea/air/land)
- File EXP Form via bank portal (pre-shipment)
- Prepare Commercial Invoice + Packing List
- Obtain Certificate of Origin from EPB (Form A/APTA/SAFTA)
- Arrange pre-shipment inspection if required
- Ship goods — obtain B/L or AWB
- Submit all documents to bank within 7 days
- Receive export proceeds within 120 days
- File EE-2 quarterly return for cash incentive
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- EXP Form not filed before shipment — customs holds the container
- Wrong HS code on Commercial Invoice — destination customs delays clearance
- Missing Certificate of Origin — buyer pays full duty (loses preferential rate)
- Proceeds not repatriated within 120 days — Bangladesh Bank penalty + ERC risk
- Incorrect Incoterms on invoice — dispute over who pays freight/insurance
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