Compliance Corner: A Guide to Regulatory Approvals, License in Bangladesh
To commence any business, project, or industry, you must obtain a regulatory license. A regulatory license is a formal authorization or permission granted by a government or regulatory authority.
These licenses are crucial components of regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with laws, standards, and guidelines governing various sectors. Although regulatory requirements vary for different organizations depending on the sector, safety, impact on society, the environment, and many other considerations, they play a vital role in maintaining law and order for any organization.
Here, I will mention some important and common regulatory licenses in Bangladesh.
| S.L | License Name | Authority | Reference |
| 01 | Acid License | Deputy Commissioner (DC) of all Districts | Acid Control Act, 2002 |
| 02 | Approval of Factory Plan | Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) | The Factories Act, 1965 |
| 03 | Certificate of Registration of Factories and Establishment | Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) | The Factories Act, 1965 |
| 04 | Explosive Licenses | Department of Explosives | Explosive Act, 1884 |
| 05 | Export Registration Certificate (ERC) | Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E) | Export Policy Order, 2015-2018 |
| 06 | Import Registration Certificate (IRC) | Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E) | Export Policy Order, 2015-2018 |
| 07 | Quality Certification Mark | Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (BSTI) | Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) Order, 1985 |
| 08 | Trade License | All City Corporations, Municipalities & Union Parisads | Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009 |
| 09 | Trade Marks Registration | Department of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (DPDT) | Trade Marks Act, 2009 |
| 10 | VAT Registration | National Board of Revenue (NBR) | Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, 1991
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| 11 | Tax Identification Number (TIN) | National Board of Revenue (NBR) | Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 |
| 12 | Environmental Clearance Certificate | Department of Environment (DOE) | Environment Conservation Act, 1995 |
| 13 | Fire License | Fire Service and Civil Defense (FS&CD) | Fire Service Act, 1980 |
| 14 | Approval of Foreign Loan | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) | Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 |
| 15 | Copyright Registration | Copyright Office | Copyright Act, 2000 |
| 16 | Boiler License | Office of the Chief Inspector of Boiler (CIOB) | Boilers Act, 1923 |
| 17 | Company Registration | Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) | Companies Act, 1994 |
| 18 | Food Safety Certificate | Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) | Food Safety Act, 2013 |
| 19 | Arms License | Ministry of Home Affairs | Arms Act, 1878 |
| 20 | NGO Registration Certificate | NGO Affairs Bureau | NGO Affairs Bureau (Registration and Control) Act, 1990 |
| 21 | Dairy Farm License | Department of Livestock Services | Pure Food Ordinance, 1959 |
| 22 | Education Institute License | Ministry of Education | Educational Institutions Registration and Control Act, 1992 |
| 23 | Chemical Import License | Department of Explosives | Chemical Control Act, 2017 |
| 24 | Air Transport License | Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh | Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Act, 2010 |
| 25 | Vehicle Fitness Certificate | Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) | Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1983 |
In conclusion, in this article, we have attempted to create a helpful resource for businesses navigating within regulatory requirements in Bangladesh.
Hopefully, this article can assist in understanding both compliance and legal requirements for various industries. In the future, we will try to cover all regulatory laws, acts, and guidelines in Bangladesh.
Source:
Laws of Bangladesh
Economic Relations Division
