Bangladesh Sourcing
Resource Centre

Key Points

• Bangladesh's key export zones: Dhaka, Gazipur, Chittagong, Narayanganj
• Typical production lead times: 60–90 days for new styles, 45–60 days for repeats
• Payment terms: L/C at sight is standard; TT 30% deposit + 70% before shipment for trusted suppliers
• Peak season: avoid placing orders in June–July (Eid) and December–January when capacity fills up
• Minimum order quantities typically start at 500–1,200 pieces per style

Key Points

• Step 1 — Check business registration: valid BGMEA/BKMEA membership for garments
• Step 2 — Verify certifications directly with the issuing body (never accept a PDF alone)
• Step 3 — Request 3 references from current international buyers and actually call them
• Step 4 — Place a small trial order (300–500 pcs) before committing to full production
• Step 5 — Use a third-party inspection service (SGS, Bureau Veritas) on the first shipment
• Step 6 — Visit the factory or hire a local buying agent to visit on your behalf

Key Points

• Chittagong Port handles 90%+ of Bangladesh's export cargo — allow 2–3 days for port congestion
• Sea freight to Europe: 22–28 days transit; to USA East Coast: 28–35 days
• Air freight from Dhaka (DAC): 3–5 days to most destinations — used for samples and urgent shipments
• Most common Incoterms from Bangladesh factories: FOB Chittagong — buyer arranges freight from port
• Customs HS codes: confirm with your factory before shipment to avoid customs holds
• Bangladesh has duty-free access to EU (EBA/GSP) and zero-duty entry for LDC-eligible products

Key Points

• Always issue a detailed Technical Package (Tech Pack) — not just a reference sample
• Specify: fabric composition, GSM, colour codes (Pantone), construction, labelling, packaging
• Include AQL inspection level in your PO — AQL 2.5 is standard for garments
• Payment terms: avoid 100% TT in advance with new suppliers — use escrow or L/C for first orders
• Include a penalty clause for late shipment (0.5% per week is standard)
• Register your brand trademark in Bangladesh if placing large repeat orders

Key Points

• Bangladesh has 200+ LEED-certified factories — more than any other garment-producing country
• Green factories reduce energy use by 25–40% and water consumption by up to 50%
• Ask for the factory's ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) certificate for wet processing units
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 covers chemical safety; GOTS certification covers organic textiles end-to-end
• Verify sustainability claims: genuine green factories will show you their utility bills and ETP test reports
• Greenwashing red flags: vague claims without certificates, refusal to share audit reports

Key Points

• Bangladeshi business culture is relationship-first — invest time in building rapport before negotiating
• "Yes" often means "I understand" not "I agree" — always confirm in writing with specific details
• WhatsApp is the dominant business communication tool — email is secondary for day-to-day updates
• Don't push for the lowest price at the expense of quality — factories will cut corners to hit your price
• Acknowledge Eid holidays (varies by Islamic calendar) — factories close for 7–10 days
• Video calls are widely accepted — use them for pre-production reviews and fit approvals

First Order Checklist

10 things to verify before committing to a new Bangladesh supplier