An indenting company acts as a licensed trade intermediary — connecting Bangladeshi buyers with foreign manufacturers and earning commission without importing goods directly. If you plan to establish an indenting business in Bangladesh, you need an Indenting Registration Certificate (IRC-Indenting) issued by the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E) under the Ministry of Commerce.
This guide covers everything you need to know: legal eligibility, required documents, government fees, submission process, and compliance obligations.
What Is an Indenting Business?
An indenting agent legally represents one or more foreign principals (manufacturers or suppliers) in Bangladesh. The agent facilitates import transactions on behalf of local buyers, earns a commission from the foreign principal, and never takes physical ownership of the goods. This model makes indenting ideal for entrepreneurs who want to participate in Bangladesh’s growing import market — valued at over USD 60 billion annually — without the capital burden of direct importation.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an indenting certificate, you must be:
- A Bangladeshi citizen or a duly registered Bangladeshi company.
- Officially representing one or more foreign manufacturers or suppliers under a formal Agency Agreement.
- A member of the Bangladesh Indenting Agents’ Association (BIAA).
Indenting is a pure intermediary activity. Operating as both an indentor and a direct importer simultaneously is not permitted under current regulations.
Required Documents for Indenting Registration
Submit the following documents to the CCI&E regional office:
- Application Form — prescribed format from CCI&E
- Valid Trade License from City Corporation (DNCC/DSCC or relevant authority)
- TIN Certificate of the owner/directors
- VAT Registration Certificate (BIN)
- Bank Solvency Certificate
- RJSC Incorporation Certificate (for limited companies) and Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Agency Agreement / Letter of Authority from each foreign principal
- BIAA Membership Certificate
- National ID or Passport copies of owner/directors
- Treasury Challan receipt confirming government fee payment
- Undertaking Letter declaring compliance with CCI&E regulations
Government Fees (Treasury Challan)
Deposit the prescribed fees at Bangladesh Bank or Sonali Bank under CCI&E Account Code 1-1731-0001-1801.
| Type | Govt. Fee (BDT) | With 15% VAT (BDT) |
| New Registration | BDT 50,000 | BDT 57,500 |
| Annual Renewal | BDT 25,000 | BDT 28,750 |
BIAA membership fees are additional: General Membership costs BDT 13,100 and Associate Membership costs BDT 11,100.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1 — Register Your Business
Establish a legal entity — proprietorship, partnership, or private limited company — with RJSC and obtain your Trade License from the relevant City Corporation.
Step 2 — Obtain Supporting Registrations
Secure your TIN, VAT/BIN, Bank Solvency Certificate, and BIAA membership certificate before filing.
Step 3 — Secure Agency Agreements
Execute formal Agency Agreements or Letters of Authority with your foreign principal(s). These agreements are legally verified by CCI&E.
Step 4 — Pay Treasury Challan
Deposit the applicable fee at Bangladesh Bank or Sonali Bank and collect the Challan receipt.
Step 5 — Submit to CCI&E
Submit the complete document package to the CCI&E regional office (3rd Floor, CCI&E Building, Kawran Bazar for Dhaka-based firms). Processing typically takes 15–25 working days.
Certificate Validity and Compliance Obligations
Once issued, your Indenting Registration Certificate:
- Is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
- Must be displayed at your registered office.
- Requires maintaining transaction and commission records for CCI&E audit purposes.
- Commission rates are capped by regulation (e.g., 5% for industrial machinery, 3% for consumer goods).
- Missing the renewal deadline by even a single day results in loss of operating rights and penalty charges.
How RegisterCorp BD Can Help
Navigating the CCI&E process can be complex — from document pre-auditing and BIAA coordination to treasury challan verification and compliance tracking. RegisterCorp BD provides end-to-end support for indenting company formation in Bangladesh, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and filed without delay.
Contact us today for a free
