FEPD-1 Circular No. 12: Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Export Through Online Marketplaces

Foreign Exchange Policy Department-1 Bangladesh Bank Head Office Dhaka www.bb.org.bd FEPD-1 Circular No.12 Date: June15, 2026 All Authorized Dealers in Foreign Exchange in Bangladesh Business-to-Consumer (B2C) export through online marketplaces/platforms Dear Sirs, Please refer to paragraph 61 of FE Circular No. 31 dated July 31, 2025, in terms of which Authorized Dealers (ADs) are allowed to provide acquiring services to eligible exporters for repatriation of export proceeds received against export orders from e-commerce websites under Business-to-Consumer (B2C) export arrangements. 02. In order to widen the scope of B2C exports and facilitate direct access of Bangladeshi exporters to global consumers, it has been decided that exportable goods may be listed for display on globally recognized online marketplaces/platforms accessible through the internet to foreign buyers. The operational procedures for execution of such transactions are outlined below: (a) Engagement with online marketplaces/platforms: ADs shall verify that exporters maintain valid merchant/participation agreements with globally recognized online marketplaces/platforms, encompassing payment settlement and dispute resolution mechanisms. (b) Transaction limit: The facility shall be extended exclusively to small-value exports undertaken on Cost and Freight (CFR) terms, not exceeding USD 5,000 or equivalent per transaction. (c) Shipping documentation: Transport/shipping documents may be issued in the name of foreign buyers. (d) EXP Form procedures: EXP Form procedure shall not be required for shipments up to USD 1,000 (or equivalent) per shipment, provided that full export proceeds have been received in advance through banking channels or legitimate digital payment systems. For all other shipments, EXP Form procedure shall be applicable in accordance with existing instructions. (e) Repatriation of export proceeds: Export proceeds shall be repatriated by online marketplaces/platforms or overseas buyers through banking channels or legitimate digital payment systems within the prescribed repatriation period from the date of shipment. (f) Marketplaces/platforms charges and commission: Fees, commissions, or other charges payable to online marketplaces/platforms shall conform to the limits stipulated under paragraph 19 of FE Circular No. 31/2025. ADs shall ensure the transparency and reasonableness of such charges. (g) Advance payments and realization: (i) ADs shall, upon receipt of the copy of electronic EXP Form (where applicable) within 14 days of shipment, credit the proceeds to exporters’ accounts (up to permissible limit in ERQ account and remainder in Taka account). Cont’d to page - 2

-2- (ii) ARV procedure shall not be required for such advance receipts. 03. Refunds settlement: In the event of quality claims, or returns arising in accordance with the rules of the respective marketplaces/platforms: (a) Refund from ERQ accounts: ADs are authorized to permit refunds to overseas buyers from balances held in ERQ accounts, upon due verification of bona fide claims of overseas buyers submitted by exporters; (b) Refund from exporter’s Taka account: Where insufficient balances exist in ERQ accounts, refunds may be effected from the exporter’s Taka account. 04. Remittances for services of marketplaces/platforms: ADs may effect remittances towards subscription, registration, membership, and other service-related fees payable to online marketplaces/platforms, subject to the following: (a) Such remittances shall preferably be undertaken from balances available in exporters’ ERQ accounts; (b) In the absence or insufficiency of ERQ balances, remittances may be effected up to USD 5,000 (five thousand) per annum under the provisions of paragraph 77(5) of FE Circular No. 31/2025; (c) ADs shall ensure that such remittances are supported by valid invoices commensurate with the nature and volume of export activities conducted through the respective platforms; and (d) Applicable taxes, if any, shall be duly deducted and/or remitted in accordance with the laws and regulations in force prior to effecting such remittances. 05. Reporting and compliance: ADs shall: (a) ensure proper reporting of all export transactions and realization of proceeds in accordance with the prescribed reporting routine. (b) maintain comprehensive audit trails for every transaction executed under this facility; and (c) exercise due diligence with respect to exporters, online platforms, and payment arrangements, whilst ensuring compliance with all applicable foreign exchange regulations, Anti￾Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements, and other applicable laws. 06. Reporting of exporters using online platforms: ADs shall notify Foreign Exchange Policy Department-1of Bangladesh Bank, Head Office, within 7 days of allowing exporters to operate under this framework. Such notification shall include details of customers, along with the relevant online marketplaces/platforms on which they intend to list exportable goods. ADs are advised to notify the relevant constituents promptly. Yours faithfully, (Md. Harun-Ar-Rashid) Director (FEPD-1) Phone: 9530123