Bangladesh has just implemented a 20% import tariff on many consumer goods, including textiles, electronics, and plastic items. For importers this means higher landed costs, slower customs clearance, and tighter profit margins—unless they act quickly.

In this article, I'll explain what goods are affected, how you can legally reduce your tariff burden, and what steps to take today to protect your import business in Bangladesh in 2025.

If you're shipping apparel, accessories, or small electronics to Bangladesh—read on. Correct planning now can save you thousands and secure your supply chain before prices climb further.

Which Product Categories Are Subject to 20% Tariff in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh’s new tariff targets consumer goods perceived to compete with local production. The lists include:

• Apparel & textiles (HS 61, 62)
• Plastic household goods (HS 39)
• Electronic devices & parts (HS 85)
• Toys, promo items, small machinery (HS 95)

These goods now face an additional 20% ad valorem tariff on top of standard import duty.

How to Identify if Your Goods Are Included?

Use the Bangladesh Customs Tariff Schedule or check HS codes via global databases. HS codes like 6109 (T-shirts) or 3923 (plastic articles) are commonly affected.

If you're uncertain, ask your forwarder for a HS classification audit to avoid surprise charges during clearance.

Are Any Products Exempt from the Hike?

Yes. Raw materials, industrial parts, agricultural imports, and machinery components are not part of the tariff hike. Those remain at the standard duty level (usually 5–10%).

GeeseCargo helps clients reclassify mixed shipments—using correct HS codes and documentation to minimize exposure and avoid blanket application of the 20% surcharge.

What Strategies Can Reduce the 20% Tariff Impact?

A sudden 20% surcharge can throw off your cost model—but you can still legally reduce your effective duty through proper logistics planning and compliance strategies.

Key methods include DDP shipping, bonded storage, reclassification, and invoice valuation optimization.

Can DDP Help Importers Avoid Unexpected Costs?

Absolutely. Under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms, your forwarder handles all duties and taxes in advance. You’re billed upfront for total landed cost—including the new 20%.

For e-commerce brands and wholesalers, this ensures predictable pricing and faster release at Bangladeshi customs.

Are Bonded Warehouses Effective in Bangladesh?

Yes. Warehouses near the Dhaka ICD or Chittagong Port allow for temporary import without immediate tax payment. If goods are later re-exported, you only pay duty on what enters the local market.

This is especially useful for seasonal stock, sampling, or inventory awaiting buyer distribution.

Should You Reclassify HS Codes to Lower Duty?

A common mistake during tariff hikes is leaving HS classifications unchecked. A small tweak in HS code can result in a lower base tariff, making the final 20% surcharge much lighter.

Reclassification can legally reduce your overall import tax burden by targeting the lowest applicable base rate.

What Are Common Misclassification Risks?

Mistakes include:

• Placing mixed-fiber garments under higher-duty fiber codes
• Mislabeling plastic components as industrial parts
• Classifying phones under accessories rather than electronics

Use the World Customs Organization HS tools to verify codes. GeeseCargo conducts HS audits that have saved clients up to 15% in base duties before the 20% surcharge.

How to Make Reclassification Work for You?

Work with experienced forwarders who can advise on duty-friendly classification. Also, use advance ruling requests with Bangladesh Customs to lock in favorable HS codes before shipping.

GeeseCargo has helped importers secure these rulings, preventing post-entry reclassification and audit penalties.

How Do Valuation and Invoice Strategies Lower Tariffs?

The 20% surcharge applies to CIF value—so it's crucial to legally reduce the declared value using correct valuation methods.

Optimized invoices exclude non-taxable charges and differentiate between FOB and CIF, reducing your taxable base.

Should You Use FOB or CIF?

Using FOB valuation limits the taxable amount to product value alone. With CIF, freight and insurance are added to your base—making the surcharge larger.

GeeseCargo advises clients to invoice on an FOB basis and manage freight separately.

How Do You Separate Non-Dutiable Charges?

Include transparent cost breakdowns in your invoice—such as packing fees or royalties. Only the product value is subject to the 20% tariff.

Our team checks documents line-by-line to prevent unnecessary charges and supports customs queries on valuation.

What to Do Today as an Importer?

Recraft指令--Show importers meeting with a freight forwarder to plan compliance—using HS audits, invoice checks, bonded warehouse tours, and DDP quotes. Natural faces, no overlay text, office environment.

Now is the time to act before the surcharge affects your next shipment.

Immediate steps:

• Perform HS code review
• Update invoicing method (use FOB)
• Opt for DDP with full duty estimate
• Apply bonded storage if goods might be re-exported

How Can GeeseCargo Help Immediately?

We offer:

1. Free HS audit – flag risky classifications
2. Landed-cost forecasting including 20% tariff
3. DDP quotes with customs included
4. Bonded warehousing setup in Chittagong or Dhaka

Contact us to lock in current duty rates and avoid surprises when your cargo lands.

Conclusion

The 20% tariff hike in Bangladesh is a challenge—but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to erode your margins. By using DDP, bonded storage, HS reclassification, and invoice optimization, importers can still remain competitive in 2025.

At GeeseCargo, we specialize in navigating tariff changes and tailoring solutions for global importers. Want a personal review of your upcoming shipments? Reach out to Ben Zhu at benzhu@geesecargo.com for expert guidance today.