Bangladesh Boosts Borderless Business: B2B2C Exports Enabled

Bangladesh’s export sector has now reached the doorstep of global online marketplaces. To facilitate cross-border e-commerce, Bangladesh Bank has allowed direct sales of products abroad via platforms like Amazon and eBay.

On Monday, 24 November, the Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular regarding this initiative.

The central bank stated that this new policy is aimed at increasing Bangladesh’s participation in the global online market. To make cross-border e-commerce easier and more efficient, the central bank has permitted exports under the Business-to-Business-to-Consumer (B2B2C) framework.

According to the circular, authorized dealer (AD) banks can now process export transactions where the foreign consignee is not the final buyer but acts as an intermediary platform or marketplace. This means products can be exported from Bangladesh through international subsidiaries or third-party warehouses of Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Etsy, or other platforms.

Exporters will need to submit proof of registration with the relevant global platform or warehouse to the AD bank. Under the B2B2C framework, where standard sales contracts are generally absent, the declared fair value of export goods can be based on a proforma invoice. If the consignee is only a service provider, shipping documents prepared in their name will also be accepted by the bank.

Simplification has also been introduced for export earnings. Export proceeds can be received not only through conventional banking channels but also via international payment service operators. In cases where earnings from multiple shipments arrive together, banks can manage the export proceeds under a “first-in, first-out” policy.

Mohammad Sahab Uddin, Senior Vice President of the now-defunct Executive Committee of e-CAB, believes that Bangladesh Bank’s decision will make cross-border e-commerce more dynamic. The new framework will open new markets for small and medium exporters and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global online marketplaces. By integrating into international digital retail channels, it is expected to play a significant role in diversifying Bangladesh’s exports.

DBTech/BB/IH/OR