Narayanganj:The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has sealed a warehouse in Tanbazar, Narayanganj, after discovering approximately 81.6 tonnes of chemicals, including Sodium Hydrosulfite, lacking valid supporting documents. This action arises amid suspicions of illegal sales of duty-free imported raw materials in the open market.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CIID, operating under the National Board of Revenue (NBR), conducted the raid on November 1 following a tip-off that chemicals imported under bonded warehouse facilities were being unlawfully sold in the open market.
During the operation, the CIID's intelligence team found around 81.6 metric tonnes of chemicals and other raw materials, including Sodium Hydrosulfite, stored at the warehouse of M R Traders in Tanbazar. However, the establishment could not provide any documents to support the purchase, import, or lawful storage of the goods, leading to the warehouse and its contents being sealed by the authorities.
In a separate operation, the CIID investigated Sim Fabrics Ltd to verify allegations of misuse of bonded warehouse facilities. The company had imported 45 metric tonnes of Sodium Hydrosulfite from India duty-free under the bonded facility through Bill of Entry No. C-1293482, dated October 17, 2026. However, the company failed to present the imported chemicals during a physical inspection. This has led the CIID to investigate whether the chemicals intended for manufacturing activities were instead diverted to the open market.
These incidents have raised concerns about the possible misuse of bonded warehouse facilities and significant evasion of customs duties and taxes. On one hand, a bonded manufacturing company could not account for its duty-free imported chemicals, while on the other, a non-bonded warehouse was found with a substantial quantity of chemicals without valid documentation.
The customs intelligence authorities are examining potential connections between the two incidents and assessing the potential revenue losses involved. CIID sources indicate that the investigation is ongoing to determine the actual source of the seized chemicals, as well as import and purchase records, supply and sales transactions, misuse of bonded facilities, and the extent of potential revenue evasion.
The CIID has stated that intelligence surveillance and enforcement operations will continue in order to prevent the misuse of bonded warehouse facilities, illegal marketing of duty-free imported raw materials, and revenue evasion.