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Doing Business in Bangladesh

How to set up an Automotive business in Bangladesh

Vehicle import, assembly, dealerships and after-sales.

We advise vehicle importers, dealers, assemblers, parts suppliers and workshops on import rules, BRTA requirements, dealership agreements and manufacturing incentives.

Sector Overview

From reconditioned imports to local assembly

Bangladesh’s vehicle market includes new and reconditioned imports, local assembly of motorcycles and vehicles, and a large parts and service sector. Government policy encourages local manufacturing and assembly.

Vehicle imports are governed by the Import Policy Order, including age limits for reconditioned vehicles, and every vehicle must be registered with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) before use.

Set-Up Roadmap

Key steps to get started

01

Company Formation

Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.

02

Business Model

Import and trading, authorised dealership, local assembly or parts and service.

03

Import Compliance

IRC, Import Policy conditions and customs clearance for vehicles and parts.

04

Manufacturing Approvals

Factory approvals and incentive registrations for assembly plants.

05

BRTA Requirements

Vehicle registration, fitness and documentation for customers.

06

Dealer Agreements

Distribution, dealership, warranty and after-sales contracts.

Licences & Approvals

What you are likely to need

Requirements depend on the scale, location and structure of your business. Common approvals include:

  • RJSC incorporation & trade licence
  • e-TIN & VAT/BIN registration
  • IRC (commercial or industrial)
  • Reconditioned vehicle dealer registration (where applicable)
  • Environmental clearance & DIFE licence (plants)
  • Fire licence
  • BIDA / BEZA registration (manufacturing)
  • Trade-body membership
Legal Framework

Key laws & regulators

  • Road Transport Act, 2018
  • Import Policy Order
  • Customs Act, 2023
  • Automobile industry development policy
  • Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
  • Contract Act, 1872
  • Competition Act, 2012
  • Regulators: BRTA, NBR, Ministry of Industries
How We Help

Your legal partner from day one

Plan

We advise on the right structure — company, branch, liaison office or joint venture.

Incorporate

We handle name clearance, RJSC incorporation and constitutional documents.

License

We obtain sector licences, registrations and regulatory approvals.

Comply

We support ongoing filings, contracts, employment and disputes.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are there limits on importing used vehicles?

Yes. The Import Policy Order sets conditions such as maximum vehicle age for reconditioned imports. We check the current rules for your vehicles.

Who registers vehicles?

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) handles registration, fitness and related matters.

Can a foreign brand appoint an exclusive dealer?

Yes. Exclusive dealership agreements are common; they should address territory, targets, warranty and termination.

Consultation

Speak with our legal team

Tell us about your matter. A Premier Law Services lawyer will review it and advise you on the right next step — in person at our Dhaka chamber or online.

This guide is a general overview and not legal advice. Licensing requirements, fees and timelines in Bangladesh change from time to time and depend on the size, location and structure of each business — please speak with our lawyers before you proceed.
Consultation

Need legal advice? Speak with our team.