How to Export from India to Bangladesh: SAFTA Benefits, Freight & Documentation (2026)

The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) is the regional framework covering trade between India and Bangladesh (among other SAARC members). It provides preferential tariff margins on many product lines, but it is not a blanket free-trade deal: both countries maintain sensitive and exclusion lists, so coverage is not universal and sensitive-list items attract standard MFN duty. The practical effect is that many Indian exports receive a meaningful margin, but you must verify your specific HS line against the current SAFTA schedule.

India's main exports to Bangladesh reflect the neighbouring economy's manufacturing and consumption needs: cotton and yarn (HS Chapter 52), which feeds Bangladesh's large garment industry; textiles and garments (Chapters 50–63); machinery (Chapters 84–85); vehicles and parts (Chapter 87); cereals such as rice and wheat (Chapter 10); plastics (Chapter 39); and steel (Chapter 72). To claim a SAFTA preferential margin, the Indian exporter obtains a SAFTA Certificate of Origin from an authorised issuing body, certifying rules-of-origin compliance.

These outcomes vary by HS sub-heading and shift with notification, so always confirm your exact line before shipping. For other export lanes, see our export to Germany and export to Saudi Arabia guides.

Because the two countries share a border, there are three viable modes, and the right one depends on the cargo, the Indian origin, and the urgency. Sea freight from Kolkata (INCCU) or Haldia to Chittagong (BDCGP) is the shortest ocean hop, taking approximately 2–4 days; from Chennai (INMAA) to Chittagong it takes about 4–7 days on feeder services. Air freight from Bengaluru (BLR) to Dhaka (DAC) usually tranships through Kolkata, Bangkok, or Singapore and takes 2–5 days door-to-door.

A large share of India–Bangladesh trade moves overland through land customs stations (LCS) such as Petrapole–Benapole, mainly out of Kolkata, which is a fast and economical option for suitable cargo. Sea Air Cargo Systems centres on sea freight to Chittagong and air freight to Dhaka from Bengaluru, and can coordinate the overland route where it fits the consignment. Sea freight is served by feeder operators linking Chennai and Kolkata to Chittagong, and air freight is carried by carriers transhipping through regional hubs. Chargeable weight rates from Bengaluru to Dhaka range from approximately ₹150–₹320/kg for general cargo.

For an exact figure for your shipment, calculate export freight using our online tool.

Every Indian exporter shipping to Bangladesh must hold a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT, register an Authorised Dealer (AD) code with customs, and file a shipping bill on ICEGATE with the correct HS code and FOB value. To claim any SAFTA preferential margin, the exporter must additionally obtain a SAFTA Certificate of Origin and submit it through the Bangladeshi importer.

The IEC is a ten-digit permanent number mandatory for any export or import from India. The AD code is the Authorised Dealer code of your bank branch, registered with customs so that export proceeds are channelled through the banking system; without an active AD code the shipping bill will not be processed. The shipping bill is filed electronically on ICEGATE by your CHA, carrying exporter and importer details, product description, HS code, FOB value, ports, and scheme details such as RoDTEP. Read our full AD Code registration for exports guide for the step-by-step process.

After export, the bank issues an eBRC (electronic Bank Realisation Certificate) once payment is received. The RoDTEP scheme lets exporters claim a duty remission on inputs; ensure your product is on the RoDTEP schedule and the correct script is entered in the shipping bill. Note that cereals such as rice and wheat are subject to India's periodically revised export policy, so confirm current permissibility before booking. For more, see our shipping bill filing guide, export documentation India resources, and the India customs clearance guide.

How Do You Claim RoDTEP on Exports to Bangladesh?

RoDTEP is claimed at the time of shipping bill filing on ICEGATE. Your CHA enters the applicable RoDTEP rate or script against the specific HS code. Once the shipping bill is assessed and the cargo is exported, the RoDTEP credit is generated in your ICEGATE ledger and can be transferred or used for duty payment on future imports. The rate varies by product and is notified by DGFT.

1. Confirm IEC and AD code registration — Ensure your Import Export Code is active on DGFT and your AD code is registered with customs at the port of export. Without these, the shipping bill cannot be filed on ICEGATE.
2. Classify your product and check SAFTA eligibility — Determine the correct HS code using the CBIC tariff or our HS code finder. Check whether your line receives a SAFTA preferential margin in Bangladesh or sits on the sensitive list, where standard MFN duty applies.
3. Obtain a SAFTA Certificate of Origin — Apply for a SAFTA Certificate of Origin from an authorised chamber of commerce or export promotion council, proving the goods meet the SAFTA rules of origin. This lets your Bangladeshi importer claim any preferential margin.
4. Book sea or air freight to Chittagong or Dhaka — Request FCL or LCL sea freight from Chennai or Kolkata to Chittagong, or book air freight from Bengaluru BLR to Dhaka DAC via transhipment. Confirm ISPM-15 compliance for any wooden packaging.
5. File Shipping Bill on ICEGATE with RoDTEP — Your CHA files the shipping bill on ICEGATE with the correct FOB value, HS code, and port of destination. Include RoDTEP details if claiming export incentives and attach the commercial invoice, packing list, and SAFTA CoO copy.
6. Submit documents and track delivery — Submit the original Bill of Lading or Airway Bill to the carrier, share the SAFTA Certificate of Origin with your Bangladeshi importer, and track the shipment through to clearance at Chittagong or Dhaka. Follow up for the eBRC after payment realisation.