15-storey complex, testing lab, training centre: Ctg customs set for Tk1,686cr overhaul

Tk1,686cr project

The project, “Customs Modernisation and Infrastructure Development”, implemented by the National Board of Revenue with World Bank financing, aims to replace ageing infrastructure, introduce advanced technology, and reduce the time and cost of international trade.

According to the development project proposal approved in 2023, the project has a total cost of Tk1,686.47 crore. The World Bank will provide Tk1,475.48 crore, accounting for 87.49% of the funding, while the government will contribute Tk210.99 crore.

Around Tk1,414.71 crore has been allocated for infrastructure development and related activities, including the Custom House and Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy.

15-storey Custom House, modern laboratories

The green-building-certified customs house will be constructed on the existing 6.75-acre site. This main building will have three basements, a ground floor and 15 upper floors.

A separate laboratory and warehouse complex will comprise a basement, a ground floor and six upper floors. The facilities will include modern customs laboratories, administrative offices, document preservation systems, warehouses, a mosque, a plaza, and a cafeteria.

The laboratory facilities are expected to improve customs officials’ ability to examine imported goods, verify declarations and detect misdeclaration and revenue evasion.

The project includes the procurement of 1,602 pieces of laboratory equipment across 123 categories at an estimated cost of Tk129.86 crore.

The buildings will also incorporate climate-friendly features, including solar power, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient cooling systems, wastewater treatment and improved drainage.

New customs academy

A separate Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy will be developed on a 38.67-acre site. The academy will have a basement, a ground floor and five upper floors, alongside separate dormitories and residential facilities for officers and employees.

The campus will include accommodation for senior officers, three categories of dormitories, a school, a central mosque, an Ansar barracks, sports facilities, and recreational spaces.

The master plan also features a medical centre, central pond, amphitheatre, forest sanctuary, butterfly garden, elevated walkways and landscaped areas.

The academy is intended to improve the professional skills of officials, including opportunities for local and international training.

Project targets 25% reduction in cargo clearance time

Beyond infrastructure, the project includes policy, technological and institutional reforms to improve customs services nationwide, according to the project proposal.

The project aims to cut the average import and export cargo clearance time at Chattogram Custom House by 25%, from the current 11 days and 6 hours. It also aims to raise the share of cargo released through the Green Channel to 60%, from virtually zero now.

Physical cargo inspections at key border stations are targeted to fall below 10%, from around 20%, through stronger risk-based assessments and customs intelligence.

The project also seeks to reduce traders’ and other stakeholders’ physical visits to customs offices and ports by at least 60% through automation and digital services.

Another target is to increase the proportion of import declarations assessed on the first day from 71% to 80%, and export declarations from 34% to 50%.

To achieve these goals, the project includes strengthening the Customs Risk Management Commissionerate, improving risk-based cargo targeting, and expanding pre-arrival processing, and post-clearance audits.

It also covers the development of the Bangladesh Single Window system, expansion of the Authorised Economic Operator, and reforms to bonded warehouse management.

The project will support a five-year tariff rationalisation plan and efforts to reduce Bangladesh’s Nominal Protection Rate by 20%.

Customs operations shift to temporary premises

The relocation of customs operations in Agrabad is progressing in phases, said Sharif Al Amin. A significant portion of the customs assessment had already been transferred.

“Of the 2,556 import declarations received on 29 October, 1,078 were under the bonded warehouse facility, accounting for around 40-45% of the total. These operations have already shifted to the World Trade Centre,” he said.

He added that the customs authority is coordinating with the NBR, Public Works Department, Chattogram Development Authority, Chattogram Port Authority and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

Sonali Bank, which provides banking services within the existing customs premises, is also expected to relocate to the World Trade Centre alongside the remaining customs operations.