B Mirror Report : The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced a digital interconnection between the ASYCUDA World system and the electronic Utilisation Declaration (e-UD) platform of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to modernise bond management and speed up customs clearance procedures.

The integration became operational today as part of NBR’s broader efforts to make bond management more contemporary and efficient, expedite duty assessment for bonded imports and exports, and introduce a technology-based verification mechanism to strengthen global competitiveness.

According to an NBR press release, prior to this integration, UD verification depended largely on manual procedures and separate verification through BGMEA’s system. This often resulted in procedural complications, delays in customs clearance, and difficulties in maintaining transparency and accountability.

With the new system in place, UD verification will now be carried out online in real time, significantly reducing paperwork. The initiative is expected to enhance revenue protection, reduce risks, and make import and export clearance faster and more streamlined.

The system will also help align bond management practices with modern international standards.

Following the successful completion of a pilot phase, NBR plans to gradually roll out e-UD write-off operations under the integrated platform.

Jointly implemented by NBR and BGMEA, the initiative represents a major step toward establishing a paperless customs environment and is expected to contribute significantly to trade facilitation and the modernisation of Bangladesh’s customs administration, the press release added.