NBR Launches ‘A-Challan’ System to Streamline Customs Payments
To facilitate the direct deposit of duties and taxes into the government treasury, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially launched the ‘A-Challan’ system. Initiated jointly by the Finance Division and the NBR, this digital platform came into effect at the beginning of the new fiscal year. It enables importers, exporters, and their designated clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents to pay duties and taxes online at any time from anywhere.
According to a press release issued on Saturday, July 5, the system successfully integrates NBR’s customs platform ASYCUDA World with the Finance Division’s IBAS++ platform, enabling both online and offline payments directly from taxpayers’ bank accounts to the government treasury. These payments are instantly reflected in the public fund, enhancing the government’s immediate fiscal capacity.
Previously, under the ATJGS system, payments made at specific times during the day could take several days to be reflected in the treasury, hampering the government’s cash flow. The new system eliminates this delay, allowing for 24/7 online payments and faster customs clearance from any location.
Through the e-Challan system, online payments can be made using internet banking, debit or credit cards, and mobile financial services such as bKash, Nagad, Upay, Rocket, mCash, and TrustPay. Additionally, payments can be made through cheque clearing or account debit at 11,700 branches of 61 banks across the country. Upon completion of payment, a system-generated receipt number will be issued, enabling swift release of goods from ports.
Following training at the Chattogram Custom House on July 1 and 2, the system was officially rolled out on July 3. On the first day of implementation, duties and taxes amounting to over BDT 130 million were deposited against 75 bills of entry directly into the treasury. Earlier, the system had been piloted at Kamalapur ICD on April 23 and later at the Pangaon Custom House.
The NBR has announced that beginning July 7, the A-Challan system will be operational at all customs stations across the country. The board believes this initiative will enhance transparency in revenue collection, expedite cargo clearance, and bring greater discipline and dynamism to public financial management.
