BM Desk : A new system that enables import and export customs duties to be deposited directly into the government treasury through the online ‘A-Chalan’ was put into place at the beginning of the fiscal year. In addition to debit/credit cards and mobile financial services like bKash, Nagad, Rocket, Upaya, mCash, and TrustPay, payments can now be done through internet banking.
Md. Al Amin Sheikh, the Public Relations Officer of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), confirmed this information in a press release. Customs duties for imports and exports from all customs houses are now being processed through the ‘A-Chalan’ system. The A-Chalan system was recently introduced at the Chittagong Custom House on August 3. Starting from July 7, all applicable customs duties for imports and exports at all customs houses and stations can be paid using the ‘A-Chalan’ system.
According to the NBR, this initiative enables importers, exporters, and their designated C&F agents to deposit customs duties online from any location, 24/7. Consequently, the processes of revenue collection and goods clearance will be expedited, more transparent, and timely. The Finance Department and NBR have rolled out this service through Essycuda World and the Finance Department’s IVA Plus Plus system. Moving forward, taxpayers will have the ability to pay customs duties directly to the treasury from their own bank accounts, whether online or offline.
In the current RTGS (Real Time Transaction System) framework, the government previously faced financial setbacks due to delays in the money deposit process. Now, funds deposited through the A-Challan system will be transferred to the government treasury instantly, allowing for immediate utilization by the government. This service was inaugurated on July 3 following training sessions held at the Chittagong Custom House on July 1 and 2. On that day, over Tk 13 crore in customs duties was directly deposited into the government treasury for 75 bill entries. This initiative is being rolled out across all scheduled bank branches nationwide, particularly at Sonali Bank Customs House. In this web-based A-Challan system, users can make payments via internet banking, debit/credit cards, and mobile financial services such as bKash, Nagad, Rocket, Upaya, mCash, TrustPay, and others. Furthermore, customs duties can also be settled through check clearing or account debits at more than 11,700 branches of 61 banks across the country.
The pilot phase of this system commenced at Kamalapur ICD Customs House on April 23, followed by its launch at Pangaon Customs House. Chittagong Customs House was the third location to implement this system. It is set to be introduced at all customs houses nationwide, including Dhaka Customs House, starting July 7, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, speed, and accountability in revenue collection. Additionally, it will lead to more disciplined and efficient financial management by the government.
