How to set up a Food Processing business in Bangladesh
We guide food manufacturers, importers and exporters through BSTI certification, food-safety registration, labelling rules, factory approvals and the contracts that bring products to market.
Growing demand, strict standards
Processed food is one of Bangladesh’s fastest-growing industries, serving a large domestic market and expanding export opportunities. Food businesses are regulated for safety, quality, labelling and hygiene by several authorities.
Many food products may not be sold without the BSTI certification mark, and the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority oversees safe-food standards across the supply chain. Export products may also require health, quarantine or halal certification for destination markets.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Factory & Approvals
Suitable premises, fire licence, environmental clearance and DIFE factory licence.
BSTI Certification
Obtain the BSTI certification mark (CM) licence for products under mandatory standards.
Food Safety & Labelling
Comply with food-safety, hygiene, packaging and labelling regulations.
Brand Protection
Register trademarks for your brands and product names.
Import & Export
IRC/ERC, plant-quarantine and health certificates, and halal certification where needed.
What you are likely to need
A typical food-processing business will need:
- RJSC incorporation & trade licence
- e-TIN & VAT/BIN registration
- BSTI certification mark licence
- Food-safety registration / compliance
- Environmental Clearance Certificate (DoE)
- Fire licence & DIFE factory licence
- IRC & ERC
- Halal certificate (if required by buyers)
- Trademark registration
Key laws & regulators
- Safe Food Act, 2013
- Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution Act, 2018
- Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009
- Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
- Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Trademarks Act, 2009
- Plant Quarantine Act, 2011
- Regulators: BFSA, BSTI, DoE, DIFE, DNCRP
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
Does every food product need BSTI certification?
Products listed under mandatory BSTI standards require the certification mark before sale. We check whether your products are on the list.
Who enforces food-safety standards?
The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority under the Safe Food Act, 2013, alongside BSTI and consumer-protection authorities.
What labelling information is required?
Labels generally need product name, ingredients, net quantity, manufacturing and expiry dates, manufacturer details and price, among other items. We review labels before printing.
Can you help with distributor and supply agreements?
Yes. We draft and negotiate distribution, co-packing, supply and franchise agreements.
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.