How to set up a Paper business in Bangladesh
We advise paper and board manufacturers, packaging producers and printing businesses on environmental clearance, factory approvals, raw-material import and supply contracts.
Packaging demand drives growth
Growth in exports, e-commerce and consumer goods has increased demand for paper, board and packaging. Bangladesh has a mix of large mills and smaller paper and packaging units.
Paper manufacturing uses significant water and energy and is subject to environmental controls, including effluent treatment. Pulp and waste-paper imports also require proper registration.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Site & Utilities
Industrial land with water, gas and power access.
Environmental Clearance
DoE clearance and effluent-treatment plant.
Factory Licence
DIFE plan approval, factory licence and fire licence.
Raw Materials
IRC and import compliance for pulp and recovered paper.
Sales & Contracts
Supply agreements with packaging and printing customers.
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
- IRC (industrial) & ERC
- Gas & electricity connections
- BSTI certification (where applicable)
Key laws & regulators
- Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
- Environment Conservation Rules, 2023
- Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Import and Export (Control) Act, 1950
- Customs Act, 2023
- Copyright Act, 2023 (printing & publishing)
- Companies Act, 1994
- Regulators: DoE, DIFE, 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
Does a paper mill need an effluent treatment plant?
Generally yes. Environmental clearance for paper mills usually requires effective effluent treatment.
Can I import waste paper?
Import of recovered paper is permitted subject to the Import Policy Order and environmental conditions.
Do printers need special permissions?
Printing presses have registration requirements, and publishers must respect copyright law. We advise case by case.
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.