NBR’s 'Single Window' system launched to streamline business functions

Infographic: TBS

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has partially launched the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), an electronic system that allows traders to submit import, export, and transit information to multiple government agencies through a single gateway, bringing seven customs agencies under one system to ease the import and export processes for businesses.

The project, which was taken in 2017, aims to streamline trade operations by ultimately combining the activities of 19 agencies related to customs under one system, according to an NBR media statement issued today.

The window was launched at a Dhaka hotel this evening.

Businesses will no longer need to visit the offices in person to get the necessary documents.

Using the system, an importer-exporter can obtain all the certificates, licences and permits and submit the necessary information on a single online platform for clearance of goods. The consignment can be redeemed at the earliest through the certificate issued on the basis of the submitted data.

The seven agencies currently brought under a single window are the Department of Environment, the Directorate General of Drug Administration, the Export Promotion Bureau, the Department of Explosives, the Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention, the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority, and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority.

The agencies have started implementing go-live or automation processes. From now on, traders will be able to avail of all types of certifications, licences, and permits related to import and export from the said agencies online using the window.

The remaining 12 agencies will be integrated into the window on 28 February, marking the full launch of the system.

Project Director Jewel Ahmed, during his keynote presentation at the event, said from 28 February onwards, no manual applications for certificates or licenses will be accepted by the 19 authorities. 

"All licensing related to import, export, and port clearance must be processed through the online system," he said.

He added that a total of 119 types of certificates are required from the 19 authorities Among these, 46 are currently available online, while the remaining 73 are in the process of being digitised.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said, "We have mechanisms to ensure compliance. If applications are not made online, the finance secretary may withhold allocations for the respective departments."

He further said that despite progress toward a "Smart Bangladesh" and entering the "highway of development", certain inefficiencies persist. 

He also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for financing the project.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted delays in file movement, pointing out that even with digital or e-files, it takes up to 15 days for a file to move through the process. 

"We need to break free from these bureaucratic hurdles," she said.

NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan and other senior officials from relevant departments also spoke at the event.

What BSW offers

The NBR initiated the project in 2017 to bring the activities of different customs agencies dealing with customs-related activities under one umbrella and thus enhance trade operations by eliminating paperwork and reducing time through maintaining up-to-date information.

The window will automate and streamline procedures for international trade-related permits, licenses, certificates, and customs declarations. It is expected to reduce paperwork, time, and costs for traders. It also aims to prevent tax evasion with the assistance of the World Bank.

The system has an internet-based information window for all organisations involved in international trade.

Once fully operational, the window will make the import-export procedure easier, reduce the cost of doing business and speed up goods clearance from ports, reads the NBR statement.

The system

As per the NBR press statement, the National Single Window has two main systems –  BSW (Bangladesh Single Window) software and ARMS (Advance Risk  Management System).

The ARMS system is linked to the BSW software. If a trader applies for a CLP (certificate, license, permit) on the BSW platform, the application will be immediately forwarded to the authorities concerned with feedback on the previous track record of the applicant with the help of ARMS.

As a result, the authorities will be aware of the applicant's track record and will be able to make decisions on CLP issues through risk management where applicable.

BSW software has a total of nine modules. Out of 119 CLPs issued by the Certificate, License, Permits Issuing Authority (CLPIA), 81 configurations have been completed.

The 81 CLPs are live and importers-exporters can already avail of this automated facility.

12 agencies to be added

The 12 other agencies to be included in the system on 28 February are Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Department of Fisheries, and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution.

Other agencies to be part of the system are, Plant Quarantine Wing of Department of Agriculture, Department of Livestock, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.