DHAKA, Dec 1, 2025 (BSS) - The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has made the use of the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) mandatory for all bonded warehouse license-holding institutions from January 1, 2026 to ensure transparency, efficiency, and full automation in the country’s bond management operations.

NBR launched the automated CBMS platform on January 1, 2025 with the goal of modernizing and digitizing the bond management ecosystem. 

Currently, three Customs Bond Commissionerates are providing services to bonded warehouse operators using 24 modules of the system. The platform enables online service delivery to enterprises involved in duty-free import of raw materials for export-oriented production, said an NBR press release.

Despite the availability of an online Utilization Permission (UP) module, most bonded institutions continue to rely on manual procedures. 

NBR officials said usage remained below expectations over the past 11 months since the system was not mandatory. Following user feedback, the system has been upgraded and optimized to make it more user-friendly.

The NBR announced that no UP-related services will be delivered through manual or alternative channels after January 1, 2026. All bonded warehouse licensees must apply for UP exclusively through the CBMS platform.

According to NBR, mandatory use of CBMS will streamline service delivery by ensuring faster processing, improved transparency, and enhanced accountability.
 
The digital system will automate input-output accounting, reduce paperwork, eliminate the complexities of manual document submission, and significantly lower the number of bond-related disputes.

NBR said the decision marks another important step in its ongoing digitalization drive aimed at creating an investment-friendly business environment and strengthening national economic activities. 

The revenue authority reaffirmed its commitment to gradually bringing all revenue administration processes under full automation to ensure greater transparency and institutional efficiency.