Chattogram: The government of Bangladesh has unveiled a transformative web-based a-chalan system, allowing importers, exporters, and their nominated C and F agents to directly deposit customs duties and taxes into the government treasury through an online platform, accessible anytime and from anywhere.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Finance Division jointly launched this innovative system at the beginning of the new fiscal year (FY26). This initiative aims to streamline revenue collection, enhance transparency, and expedite the unloading and release of goods from ports. The system integrates the Customs’ ASYCUDA World with the Finance Division’s iBAS++ system, enabling taxpayers to pay duties directly from their bank accounts, online or offline, as stated in an NBR press release.
Previously, payments made via the RTGS method took several days to reach the treasury, leading to delays and financial losses for the government. In contrast, payments made through the a-chalan system are instantly credited to the treasury, allowing immediate utilization of funds. Training sessions for importers, exporters, C and F agents, and customs officials were completed at Chattogram Customs House on July 1-2, 2025, with the system going live on July 3. On the launch day, over Taka 13 crore was successfully deposited into the treasury against 75 bills of entry through Sonali Bank and other scheduled banks.
The a-chalan system offers various payment methods, including internet banking, debit/credit cards, and mobile financial services like bKash, Rocket, Nagad, Upay, mCash, TrustPay, or in-person at any branch of 61 banks nationwide. A system-generated receipt is issued post-payment, facilitating the clearance of goods at the port. Prior pilot runs were conducted at ICD Kamalapur on April 23, 2025, and at Pangaon Customs House later, with Chattogram being the third customs station to implement it.
According to the NBR, the system will be adopted by Dhaka Customs House and all other customs houses across the country starting July 7. Officials assert that this system will ensure transparency in revenue collection, simplify the process for taxpayers, and enhance the government’s financial discipline.