The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has significantly expanded the list of imported goods that can be moved to and handled by private Inland Container Depots (ICDs), also known as off-docks. In a circular issued on July 17, 2025, the NBR approved 15 additional categories of imported items, including food products such as milk and cream, coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashew nuts, as well as chemical items like sulphur, insecticides, and ethylene polymers.

This expansion brings the total number of product categories eligible for off-dock handling to 65. The aim is to reduce congestion at Chattogram Port, the country’s primary seaport, which has long struggled with bottlenecks due to increasing import volumes. By allowing more types of goods to be processed at the 19 privately operated ICDs, the government hopes to improve cargo flow and reduce delays.

The new regulation requires that all containers be scanned at the port before being transported to the ICDs. The Chattogram Port Authority will supervise the movement of these containers to ensure proper tracking and security. Additionally, customs officials retain the authority to redirect certain goods to be handled directly at the port if deemed necessary.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move. Md Ruhul Amin Sikder, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA), called the decision a “game changer” for the logistics sector. He noted that the ICDs have the infrastructure and manpower to handle more cargo and that this policy shift will help unlock their full potential.

This is the second time in 2025 that the NBR has expanded the list of products eligible for off-dock handling—12 items were added earlier in April. The ongoing changes reflect a broader strategy by the government to modernize cargo handling and align with international logistics practices. If the trend continues, Bangladesh may soon allow all types of import cargo to be processed through ICDs, creating a more decentralized and efficient port system.