Most trade problems are document problems
People assume international trade goes wrong because a ship is late. In our experience it far more often goes wrong because a certificate was missing, an HS code was written incorrectly, or the description on the invoice did not match the description on the bill of lading. Cargo then sits at a port accruing demurrage while somebody in an office tries to fix a piece of paper.
That is why we handle documentation as part of the job rather than as an extra. If you want us to move only the freight and leave the paperwork to you, we will — but we will say once, politely, that it is usually a false economy.
Export: Bangladeshi agriculture to overseas buyers
Bangladesh produces far more agricultural surplus than it exports, and buyers abroad — particularly in markets with a large Bangladeshi and South Asian population — will pay well for produce that arrives in good condition with clean paperwork.
We handle the chain from farm to vessel:
- Sourcing. Through our agro division, direct from farms in the Kushtia region, so we control quality at the point it is set.
- Grading and packing. To the buyer’s specification, in packaging that will survive the journey rather than just look correct at loading.
- Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, EXP form through your bank, and phytosanitary certification where the commodity requires it.
- Booking and clearance. Vessel or air booking, customs formalities, and clearing through our C&F agent.
- Handover. Documents to you and your buyer, and tracking through to arrival.
New to exporting? The first shipment is the hardest and it is where most people give up. Come to us before you have committed to a buyer, not after. Half an hour spent on what your destination market actually requires will save you a great deal of money.
Import: spices and cooking ingredients from India
India is Bangladesh’s nearest and in many categories cheapest source for spices and kitchen staples, and the land border makes it far quicker than sea freight from anywhere else. We import for wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and processors.
- Whole and ground spices
- Cooking oils, pulses and dry goods
- Other kitchen and food-processing ingredients on request
Trade with India moves overland through the land ports — Benapole in Jashore is the largest, and Darshana in neighbouring Chuadanga is convenient for us in Kushtia. Overland transit is fast; the border formalities are what take the time. We are realistic with you about that at quotation.
The documents, in plain language
| Document | What it does | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | States what is being sold, to whom, and for how much | Every shipment |
| Packing list | Details cartons, weights and dimensions so customs can verify the load | Every shipment |
| Bill of lading / airway bill | The carrier’s receipt and title document for the cargo | Every shipment |
| Certificate of origin | Proves where goods were produced; affects the duty payable | Most shipments |
| Phytosanitary certificate | Confirms plant products are free of pests and disease | Agricultural exports |
| Letter of Credit | Bank undertaking that the seller is paid against correct documents | Most formal trade |
| EXP / IMP form | Bangladesh Bank forms recording the foreign currency movement | Export / import respectively |
| HS code classification | The tariff code determining duty and any restrictions | Every shipment |
Ports and routes we use
- Chattogram Port — the country’s main seaport and the default for container traffic to and from most destinations.
- Mongla Port — in Khulna Division and considerably closer to us, which for some consignments means faster and cheaper inland movement.
- Benapole land port — the principal road crossing to India, at Jashore.
- Darshana — in Chuadanga, next door to Kushtia, and useful for trade with West Bengal.
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka — for air freight where the cargo is perishable or urgent enough to justify the cost.
Onward inland movement runs on our own trucks, so your cargo does not sit at the port waiting for a vehicle to be arranged.