International trade law services: Bangladesh

Overview

Acting from our London office at Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn, WC1V 7QH, we advise international businesses, financial institutions and trade stakeholders on cross‑border trade with Bangladesh. Our focus is on practical, transaction‑oriented advice drawn from English and Welsh law principles, combined with coordination with local advisers where local law or regulatory consent is required.

Key legal issues when trading with Bangladesh

• Export controls and licensing — assessing whether goods, technology or software require licences under the UK export control regime and any destination controls that may apply.
• Customs, duties and origin rules — compliance with UK and destination customs requirements, classification, valuation and preferential origin documentation for trade agreements.
• Sanctions and AML screening — checking counterparties, transaction chains and payments against UK financial sanctions and anti‑money laundering obligations.
• Contractual protection — drafting and negotiating sale contracts, Incoterms, payment security (letters of credit, guarantees), and clear allocation of delivery, risk and liability.
• Intellectual property and compliance — protecting brands and designs; ensuring licensing and technology transfer comply with export control and competition rules.

Practical checklist for transactions

1. Screen counterparties against UK sanctions and perform enhanced due diligence for higher‑risk jurisdictions or sectors.
2. Classify goods and assess whether an export licence is required from the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).
3. Confirm customs valuation and origin to determine duty rates and eligibility for any preferential treatment.
4. Use clear contractual terms (Incoterms 2020), allocate responsibility for export/import formalities and set out dispute resolution mechanisms.
5. Consider payment risk mitigation: documentary letters of credit, escrow arrangements or credit insurance where appropriate.
6. Plan for post‑shipment compliance: record keeping, audit readiness and local regulatory filings where needed.

Dispute resolution and enforcement

London is a leading international dispute‑resolution centre. For cross‑border commercial disputes we typically advise on choice of law, arbitration seat and enforcement strategy under English and Welsh law. Common vehicles include arbitration under institutional rules (e.g. ICC, LCIA) and litigation in the English courts where appropriate. Enforcement of foreign judgments or arbitral awards will require consideration of relevant treaties and local enforcement routes.

Jurisdiction and sources

• UK Government guidance: GOV.UK (including Department for Business and Trade)
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) — customs and VAT guidance
• Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) — UK export licensing
• Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)
• World Trade Organization (WTO) — trade rules and dispute settlement

General information only; not legal advice and not a substitute for advice on a particular matter.