How to set up a Fisheries business in Bangladesh
We advise fish farmers, hatchery owners, feed producers, marine fishing operators and seafood exporters on licensing, quality control and export compliance.
One of the world’s leading inland fish producers
Bangladesh is a major producer of inland and aquaculture fish, and frozen shrimp and fish are important export products. The sector ranges from small farms to large processing and export plants.
Hatcheries, fish feed, marine fishing vessels and processing plants are licensed and inspected by the Department of Fisheries, and export consignments require quality and health certification.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Water & Land
Secure ponds, water bodies or processing sites and verify lease or title.
Department of Fisheries Licences
Licences for hatcheries, feed mills, fishing vessels or processing plants.
Quality & HACCP
Processing-plant approval and quality-control systems for export.
Environmental Clearance
DoE clearance for processing plants and larger farms.
Export
ERC, health certificates and buyer contracts.
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
- Hatchery registration
- Fish feed licence
- Marine fishing licence (vessels)
- Fish processing plant licence
- Environmental clearance (DoE)
- ERC & export health certificate
Key laws & regulators
- Fish Hatchery Act, 2010
- Fish Feed and Animal Feed Act, 2010
- Marine Fisheries Act, 2020
- Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, 1950
- Fish and fish-products inspection & quality control law
- Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
- Safe Food Act, 2013
- Regulators: Department of Fisheries, DoE, BFSA
Your legal partner from day one
We advise on the right structure — company, branch, liaison office or joint venture.
We handle name clearance, RJSC incorporation and constitutional documents.
We obtain sector licences, registrations and regulatory approvals.
We support ongoing filings, contracts, employment and disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to run a hatchery?
Yes. Fish hatcheries must be registered under the Fish Hatchery Act, 2010.
What is needed to export frozen fish or shrimp?
A licensed processing plant, quality-control systems, ERC and health certification for each consignment, plus compliance with buyer-country rules.
Can I lease a government water body?
Government water bodies are leased under specific rules and procedures. We advise on eligibility and documentation.
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.