How to set up a Leather business in Bangladesh
We advise tanneries, footwear manufacturers and leather-goods exporters on environmental compliance, industrial estate allocation, factory approvals and international buyer contracts.
From raw hide to global brands
Leather, footwear and leather goods are among Bangladesh’s important export sectors, supplying international brands with shoes, bags and accessories.
Tanneries are concentrated in the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate with a central effluent treatment plant. Environmental compliance and buyer certifications are now central to winning export orders.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Location
Plot in the tannery estate or an industrial or economic zone for footwear and goods units.
Environmental Clearance
DoE clearance and effluent-treatment arrangements.
Factory Licence
DIFE plan approval, factory licence and fire licence.
Bonded Warehouse
Bonded facilities for duty-free import of export inputs.
Export & Certification
ERC, buyer audits and international certifications.
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
- Environmental Clearance Certificate (DoE)
- DIFE factory licence
- Fire licence
- Bonded warehouse licence
- IRC (industrial) & ERC
- BSCIC / BEZA / BEPZA allotment
Key laws & regulators
- Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
- Environment Conservation Rules, 2023
- Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Customs Act, 2023
- Import and Export (Control) Act, 1950
- Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, 2010
- Companies Act, 1994
- Regulators: DoE, DIFE, BSCIC, NBR
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
Where can tanneries operate?
Tanneries have been relocated to the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate, which has a central effluent treatment plant.
Do buyers require certifications?
Many international buyers require environmental and social-compliance certifications. We help with the related contracts and compliance.
Can footwear factories import materials duty-free?
Export-oriented factories can use bonded warehouse facilities to import inputs without duty, subject to customs rules.
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.