A Trade License is usually the very first document a new business owner in Bangladesh obtains, and for importers it’s also a prerequisite for almost everything that follows — TIN, BIN, and IRC registration all typically ask for it.
What It Is and Who Issues It
A Trade License is issued by the local City Corporation, Municipality, or Union Parishad where your business is registered, and confirms you’re legally permitted to operate that specific type of business at that location.
Why It Matters for Import
Beyond being a general business requirement, your Trade License is checked when you apply for an Import Registration Certificate (IRC), open a business bank account for LC or TT payments, and register for VAT (BIN). Without a valid, current license, these downstream steps stall.
Renewal and Common Pitfalls
- Trade Licenses need annual renewal — an expired license can hold up customs clearance
- The business activity listed on the license should match what you actually import
- Keep a digital copy on hand, since it’s requested repeatedly across different registrations
Getting this foundational paperwork right early saves real time later. If you’re setting up to import for the first time, our team can walk you through exactly what’s needed before your first shipment leaves China.

