SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh - Procedure, Documents and Fees

Updated on May 06, 2025 02:36:56 PM

The SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh plays a vital role in facilitating trade under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement Bangladesh. Signed in 2004 and enforced in 2006, SAFTA is a regional trade agreement among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers, creating new opportunities for businesses across the region. For Bangladesh, SAFTA opens the door to expand its exports and enhance its trade footprint within South Asia by offering preferential market access.

To get the SAFTA tax benefits for Bangladesh, exporters must comply with specific requirements, including proving the origin of their products under the SAFTA rules of origin Bangladesh. This is where the SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh becomes essential. The certificate serves as proof that the goods being exported originate from Bangladesh and meet the criteria set by the SAFTA agreement. By presenting this certificate, Bangladeshi exporters can benefit from reduced duties and easier market entry in SAARC countries, giving them a competitive edge in regional trade.

Understanding how to get a SAFTA Certificate in Bangladesh is key for businesses looking to leverage these advantages. Once approved, the certificate allows businesses to trade with reduced tariffs under the SAFTA trade agreement Bangladesh, ultimately boosting the country’s export growth and regional economic integration.

What is SAFTA Certificate?

The SAFTA Certificate is a document issued under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) Agreement, facilitating trade among SAARC member countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It certifies that goods exported from one member country to another qualify for preferential duty treatment under SAFTA. The certificate verifies the origin of goods, ensuring they meet the Rules of Origin criteria set by the agreement. By presenting a valid SAFTA Certificate, exporters can avail themselves of reduced or zero customs duties, promoting intra-regional trade and economic cooperation within South Asia.

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Benefits of SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh

The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) Certificate provides Bangladesh with several economic and trade advantages. Here are the key benefits of the SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh:

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Types of SAFTA Certificate

The SAFTA Certificate, also known as the Certificate of Origin, is classified into two main categories:

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Purpose of SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh

The SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) Certificate enables exporters to claim tariff concessions under the SAFTA agreement, promoting trade among SAARC nations. It certifies goods' origin, ensuring compliance with trade regulations. This boosts exports by reducing duties, enhancing market access, and fostering economic cooperation among member countries.

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SAFTA Certificate Registration Process for Bangladesh

The SAFTA registration process encompasses the subsequent stages:

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Documents Required for SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh

To obtain a SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) Certificate, the following documents are typically required for the registration process:

Note: In the case of tea, exporters who are required to submit Certificate of Origin (Non Preferential) are to apply to the Tea Board or any Inspection Agency authorized by the Tea Board along with documents listed above.

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SAFTA Registration Fees for Bangladesh

The total cost for SAFTA registration is ₹6,235, covering a ₹736 government fee, ₹500 one-time registration fee, ₹2,000 application fee, and ₹2,999 professional fee, ensuring a smooth registration process. Below is the detailed structure:

Particulars Cost
Government fee 736
One-time registration fee 500
Application fee 2,000
Professional fee 2,999
Total cost of registration 6,235

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Time taken to obtain SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh

Once items qualify as origin goods under SAFTA, the SAFTA Certificate is usually issued within 2-3 working days of shipment or export. In exceptional cases, if not granted on time, it may be issued retroactively within 45 days, clearly marked as "issued retrospectively" on the certificate.

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Validity of SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh

The SAFTA registration process is a one-time process, and the certificate is valid for a year from the date of registration.

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Conclusion

Obtaining a SAFTA Certificate for Bangladesh is essential for exporters seeking to leverage preferential trade benefits within the SAARC region. By certifying the origin of goods, the SAFTA Certificate facilitates reduced tariffs, boosts exports, and enhances Bangladesh's competitiveness in regional markets. The straightforward application process, minimal documentation, and quick issuance make it an accessible tool for businesses aiming to expand their trade footprint. With the advantages of tariff concessions and simplified customs procedures, the SAFTA Certificate plays a crucial role in strengthening Bangladesh’s regional trade relations and contributing to its economic growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get a SAFTA certificate?

You can apply for a SAFTA Certificate of Origin through the designated trade bodies or chambers authorized by the government in your exporting country.

Who will issue a SAFTA certificate in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and recognized Chambers of Commerce are authorized to issue SAFTA Certificates of Origin to eligible exporters.

What is SAFTA in Bangladesh?

SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) is a regional trade agreement facilitating duty-free or preferential tariff access for Bangladeshi exports among SAARC member countries.

Who will issue a SAFTA certificate?

Designated government authorities or approved chambers of commerce in SAARC member countries issue SAFTA Certificates of Origin for eligible goods under the agreement.

What is the cost of SAFTA certificate?

The cost varies, but in Bangladesh, government-authorized bodies typically charge between BDT 300 to BDT 1,000, depending on the issuing authority and service type.

WHO issues certificate of origin in Bangladesh?

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and various recognized Chambers of Commerce issue Certificates of Origin, including SAFTA, to Bangladeshi exporters for international trade.

Which country has SAFTA certificate?

All SAARC member countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka issue SAFTA Certificates of Origin to their respective exporters.

What is the misuse of SAFTA?

Misuse of SAFTA includes falsifying Certificates of Origin or undervaluing goods to evade tariffs, harming fair trade practices among SAARC countries and legitimate exporters.

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