Bangladesh expands export cargo screening capacity at airports

Bangladesh has further expanded its export cargo screening capacity at airports following coordinated efforts by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

As part of the latest development, approval has been reinstated for direct screening of UK-bound export cargo using the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) method at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, reads a press release. 

Officials said the move will align Bangladesh’s export cargo security system more closely with international standards and strengthen the reliability of security verification processes for goods destined for the United Kingdom.

The reinstatement is also expected to reduce delays and additional re-screening risks while helping exporters save both time and costs through smoother direct cargo transportation.

At the same time, export cargo screening capacity at Osmani International Airport has significantly increased following the launch of a second Explosive Detection System (EDS).

According to CAAB, the additional EDS will enable faster, uninterrupted and more efficient cargo screening operations at the Sylhet airport. The increased capacity is expected to reduce processing time, improve export operations and strengthen security measures in line with international standards.

Bangladesh first achieved 3rd Country EU Aviation Security Validated Regulated Agent (RA3) validation at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in 2017, allowing direct export cargo shipments to the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Under the system, four screening methods — EDS, X-ray, ETD and EDD — have been used for export cargo screening, adds the press release. 

However, in 2021, the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport (DfT) temporarily suspended approval for the EDD method for direct UK-bound cargo.

CAAB said the approval was reinstated following continuous diplomatic and technical coordination with DfT and European Union experts.

As a result, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport can now fully utilise EDD alongside EDS, X-ray and ETD methods, which is expected to make cargo screening easier, faster and more effective.

The authority also said more airlines are expected to obtain Air Carrier Carrying Air Cargo and Mail from 3rd Country Airport to European Countries (ACC3) validation, increasing direct cargo transportation capacity.

Meanwhile, Osmani International Airport secured RA3 validation in 2021 and began direct export cargo operations to the EU and the UK. Although operations were temporarily suspended for some time, regular cargo operations resumed in April 2025.

The airport had already been conducting screening through EDS, X-ray and ETD systems. With the addition of the second EDS, its screening capability has increased substantially.

CAAB said more airlines are now expressing interest in obtaining ACC3 validation, creating new opportunities for large-scale direct export cargo operations from sylhet and contributing to the expansion of Bangladesh’s international trade.