Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) has called for the withdrawal of excessive duties on garment samples, highlighting the critical role buying houses play in Bangladesh’s export success and global sourcing network.
As a key bridge between international buyers and local manufacturers, BGBA members help connect global brands with Bangladeshi factories, facilitate sourcing opportunities, ensure compliance requirements, and contribute significantly to securing export orders for the country’s apparel sector.
According to BGBA President Md. Abdul Hamid, buying houses are responsible for facilitating approximately 25% of Bangladesh’s garment export orders, equivalent to nearly, USD 15 billion in business annually.
BGBA members play a vital role in creating international market opportunities for Bangladesh-made garments and other products. Supporting the buying house sector means supporting export growth, foreign buyer engagement, and the long-term competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
Garment samples are a fundamental part of the sourcing process. Before placing bulk orders, international buyers rely on samples to evaluate product quality, design, fit, and manufacturing capability. However, the current duty structure on samples—sometimes reaching up to 100%—creates unnecessary financial pressure on buying houses and increases the cost of doing business.
BGBA Vice President AKM Saifur Rahman noted that the high duty and clearance costs associated with garment samples have become a major challenge, particularly for new entrepreneurs entering the sector.
The high duty and clearance costs associated with garment samples are creating barriers for new entrepreneurs. Instead of encouraging growth, these costs are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to operate competitively. Many buying houses spend substantial amounts every month solely on sample imports, which directly impacts their business sustainability.
To enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness, BGBA has proposed a duty-free sample import facility for its members, similar to the existing facilities available to BGMEA and BKMEA members, along with a regulated annual quota system under appropriate government oversight.
As Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation and increasing global competition, strengthening the buying house sector will be essential to attracting new buyers, generating export orders, supporting manufacturers, and sustaining the continued growth of the country’s RMG industry. BGBA remains committed to working closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders to create a more business-friendly environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and export expansion.
