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DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially entered into a new phase of digital customs administration by launching 100 percent online services for issuing Utilization Permission (UP) through the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) software.

From January 1, 2026, the use of the CBMS software has been made mandatory for receiving and issuing all services related to Utilization Permission (UP), according to a previously issued circular of the NBR. 

As per the directive, all UPs are now being issued online through three Customs Bond Commissionerates under the NBR. Consequently, the manual submission and approval process for UP applications has been completely discontinued from today.

It may be mentioned that the NBR launched the automated CBMS software on January 1, 2025, with the objective of providing all bonded warehouse-related services online. Through this software, bonded warehouse license-holding companies are now able to obtain Utilization Permission online from the respective Customs Bond Commissionerates for duty-free import of raw materials, in accordance with the policies approved by the Duty Exemption and Drawback Office, said an NBR press release.

With the introduction of online UP services, bonded warehouse beneficiary industrial establishments are no longer required to submit paper-based applications or physically appear at Customs Bond Commissionerates. CBMS is a modern, automated and technology-driven software system through which the submission, verification and approval of UP applications are being completed entirely online.

The use of the CBMS software is expected to ensure faster, more transparent and accountable delivery of Utilization Permission services. It will also eliminate the complexities of manual document submission at bond commissionerates, significantly reducing human dependency and discretionary intervention. 

The application process will become simpler, more cost-effective and business-friendly, while data preservation, monitoring and audit activities in customs bond management will be more efficient and effective. Moreover, disputes and litigations related to bond operations are expected to decline substantially.

The NBR believes that the introduction of online UP services through CBMS will greatly benefit bonded warehouse-supported industrial enterprises, particularly export-oriented industries, thereby enhancing the overall export trade and creating a more favorable investment climate in the country.

As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize customs administration and ensure transparency and efficiency, the NBR reaffirmed its commitment to gradually bringing all bond-related services under full automation.