Dhaka: The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced the “Customs Risk Management Regulations, 2025” for addressing economic risks such as money laundering and terrorism financing. To this end, the revenue board issued a notification recently.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the notification defines “economic risk” as encompassing proceeds of crime, other illegal financial activities, customs and tax evasion, and transnational organized economic crimes. As part of this initiative, a dedicated Customs Risk Management Commissionerate (CRMC) will be established. The CRMC will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reviewing risk-related information to identify and categorize customs risks.
The CRMC will create and manage risk profiles, update online risk registers, and classify goods consignments into risk-based lanes – Red, Yellow, Blue, or Green – using targeting intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analysis techniques. The CRMC will determine risk trends and nature by collecting data from national and international sources, analyzing them, and conducting necessary surveys and research activities.
The CRMC will also determine the criteria for the selection of consignments on the basis of random selection for all Customs Stations and Bond Commissionerates, monitor and supervise the effectiveness of risk management activities, and review the results of the activities taken against Key Performance Indicators.
Additionally, the CRMC will collect information and data from various organizations related to import and export, maintain confidentiality in the storage and use of information, and issue risk warnings to concerned departments. It will also coordinate with national and international organizations involved in risk management related to inter-country border trade.
For establishing proper customs control, the Customs Risk Management Commissionerate shall use ARMS (Automated Risk Management System) or another suitable automated electronic system. The CRMC may utilize the World Customs Organization Risk Management Model or other approved risk management models and establish a risk assessment database accordingly.
To monitor the effectiveness of the selectivity system, the CRMC shall prepare an annual evaluation report based on data stored in the customs computer system or ARMS, assessing the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures undertaken.