DOING FOOD RELATED BUSINESS IN BANGLADESH
BDLP's lawyers in Bangladesh have experience in setting up different kinds of businesses for its clients. Let us explore the relevant laws and procedures for starting a food related business in Bangladesh.
Food Quality and Licensing in Bangladesh
Responsibility for Food Quality:
1. Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (BSTI): Tests and certifies the quality of products, including food, before they are sold or imported/exported. BSTI mandates testing for 181 products, including 23 food items, and certifies 54 imported products before customs clearance.
2. Department of Livestock: Ensures the safety and quality of meat by requiring licenses for slaughtering, processing, and selling meat. They monitor for harmful substances in animals, especially during religious celebrations.
3. Department of Fisheries: Regulates fisheries and hatcheries, requiring registration and licenses for processing and packaging fish and crustaceans.
Business Registration and Licensing:
1. Company Registration: Businesses must register with the Registrar of the Joint Stock of Companies (RJSC).
2. Import/Export Certificates:** Required for importing and exporting goods.
3. Factory License: Necessary for food processing facilities from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).
4. Other Licenses:** Include Fire License, Environmental Clearance Certificate, Trade License, VAT registration, and Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Sector-Specific:
1. Meat Industry: Overseen by the Department of Livestock, with legal actions under the Animal Slaughter and Quality of Meat Control Act 2011.
2. Fisheries: Governed by laws like the Fish and Fish Products (Inspection and Quality Control) Ordinance 1983 and the Fish Quarantine Act 2018.
3. Restaurants: District Commissioner
Regulatory Bodies:
1. Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA): Monitors food establishments under the Food Safety Act 2013. Inspectors can collect samples and penalize violations, such as the illegal use of formalin.
2. BSTI: Ensures compliance with the BSTI Act 2018, penalizing misuse of standard marks and illegal trademarks.
