Exporting to Bangladesh from Kolkata and Petrapole (2026): Port Restrictions, Documents, SAFTA, GST and Payments
Trade with Bangladesh through Kolkata and the Petrapole-Benapole land border continues in 2026, but under tighter rules than before 2025. Since May 2025, Bangladeshi readymade garments can enter India only through the Kolkata and Nhava Sheva seaports, not through any land port, and several other Bangladeshi products cannot enter through land ports in the North-East and West Bengal’s Changrabandha and Fulbari. India withdrew the transshipment facility for Bangladeshi export cargo in April 2025, and Bangladesh closed several land ports to Indian yarn. Indian exports to Bangladesh through Petrapole are allowed, but traders face holiday closures, congestion and payment risk. Check the latest DGFT and customs notifications before every new contract.
Where things stand
| Measure | Effect |
|---|---|
| India, May 2025 | Bangladeshi readymade garments only through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva seaports; processed food, plastic goods, wooden furniture and some other items barred at specified land ports |
| India, April 2025 | Transshipment facility for Bangladeshi exports through Indian ports and airports withdrawn |
| India, later in 2025 | Further restrictions reported on some Bangladeshi jute products; confirm the current DGFT notification |
| Bangladesh, 2025 | Indian yarn barred through several land ports; trade moved to sea routes |
| Exempt from India’s restrictions | Goods in transit to Nepal and Bhutan; items such as fish, LPG, edible oil and crushed stone |
Exporting from India to Bangladesh
- IEC: you need an Importer Exporter Code. See our IEC service.
- Buyer and payment: agree terms, preferably against an irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by an Indian bank, given Bangladesh’s foreign exchange pressures.
- Documents: commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, certificate of origin, and any product-specific certificates (phytosanitary, FSSAI, test reports).
- SAFTA certificate: a SAFTA certificate of origin lets your buyer claim preferential duty. See our SAFTA certificate of origin page.
- Movement: trucks to Petrapole with an e-way bill, customs clearance at the Integrated Check Post, and handover at Benapole.
- Realisation: export proceeds must be realised within the time allowed under FEMA (generally 15 months), and reported through your bank.
GST on exports to Bangladesh
Exports are zero-rated. Most exporters export under LUT without paying IGST and claim refund of unused input tax credit, or pay IGST and get it refunded automatically once the shipping bill and GSTR-1 match. Make sure the shipping bill number, port code and invoice details in GSTR-1 match exactly, or the refund stalls.
Petrapole-Benapole in practice
- Holiday closures: cargo movement stops during major festivals and weekly holidays on the Bangladesh side. In October 2026, trade through Benapole was suspended from 17 to 24 October for Durga Puja and resumed on 25 October.
- Congestion: trucks can wait days at parking yards. Build this into delivery terms and perishable shipments.
- Server and documentation problems at customs can halt clearance briefly; keep digital copies of all documents with your clearing agent.
Importing from Bangladesh into Kolkata
If you import Bangladeshi garments, plan for sea shipment to Kolkata or Haldia rather than land import. For other products, check whether your item is in the restricted list for the port you plan to use. Bangladeshi-origin investors in Indian companies also need prior government approval under Press Note 3 of 2020.
FAQs
Can Bangladeshi readymade garments come into India through Petrapole?
No. Since May 2025 they can enter only through the Kolkata and Nhava Sheva seaports.
Are Indian exports to Bangladesh through Petrapole allowed?
Yes, subject to normal customs rules and any Bangladesh-side restrictions on specific goods.
Is GST payable on exports to Bangladesh?
No. Exports are zero-rated; use LUT or claim an IGST refund.
Does a SAFTA certificate help my Bangladeshi buyer?
Yes. It supports preferential customs duty under the South Asian Free Trade Area agreement.
TAXAJ helps Kolkata exporters with IEC, LUT, GST refunds, FEMA realisation and SAFTA certificates. Read our guide on exporting to Nepal and Bhutan from Kolkata or talk to our Kolkata team.
Last updated 11 November 2026. Sources: DGFT notification of 17 May 2025 on port restrictions for imports from Bangladesh (as reported by All India Radio and ANI, 18 May 2025); CBIC circular of April 2025 withdrawing transshipment; The Business Standard report of 25 October 2026 on Benapole operations; commentary of October 2026 on India-Bangladesh trade. Restrictions change; check the current DGFT and customs notifications. General information only.
