How every import is reported to Bangladesh Bank online, what goes in, and the 24-hour rule for big LCs.
Think of a cricket scoreboard. Every run, every wicket goes up on the board the moment it happens, so everyone in the stadium knows the score. Bangladesh Bank has a scoreboard for imports too. It is called OIMS, the Online Import Monitoring System.
Banks put each import on that board, step by step: what is being bought, from whom, for how much, and later, what was actually shipped. This lesson shows what goes up on the board, and when.
On top of their other reports, AD banks must report every permissible import to OIMS, on a daily or regular basis. The circular sets out the steps:
In short: first the plan (PI or contract), then the reality (commercial invoice).
Tania is about to open an LC for a client importing cotton yarn. The client says, "Open it today, I'll send the PI tomorrow." Tania says no, kindly. Without the PI there is nothing to report to OIMS, and no PI means no LC. The PI comes first, then the LC.
In addition to other reporting requirements to Bangladesh Bank, ADs shall report all types of permissible import transactions to the Online Import Monitoring System (OIMS) of Bangladesh Bank on daily/regular basis. ADs shall also observe the following reporting procedures for relevant import transactions:
(a) Before establishment of LCs or initiation of permissible imports, ADs shall obtain underlying indents, proforma invoices, purchase or sales contracts from relevant importers.
(b) For imports on FOB or similar other terms, ADs shall obtain applicable transport charges against the shipments to facilitate issuance of certificate as per paragraph 15 of this part.
(c) ADs shall provide primary import information based on (a) above to the OIMS of Bangladesh Bank.
(d) In case of permissible imports without LCs by industrial imports, and commercial imports within authorized limits, ADs shall report to Bangladesh Bank as per (c) above with indication of imports without LCs.
(e) ADs shall report information from commercial invoice and other relevant documents following the procedures uploaded in Documents > Other Documents/Guidelines > Commercial Invoice Data Entry/Upload Manual of OIMS.
Source: Bangladesh Bank, FEPD-1 Circular No. 30, 13 August 2026, Part A, paragraph 5 (page 6). The original circular is the authority.
Big imports get an early warning. For an import of USD 3 million and above (or the same value in another currency), the bank must report it to OIMS at least 24 hours before opening the LC.
This rule does not apply to imports by the Government.
A client wants an LC for USD 3.2 million worth of steel billets, opened at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Arif works backwards: the OIMS report must be in by 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the latest. Twenty-four hours is the minimum. Arif reports on Tuesday, because Wednesday has a way of getting busy.
For import exceeding value of USD 3.00 million and above or its equivalent, ADs shall report to the OIMS of Bangladesh Bank before 24 hours of opening of LC. The report excludes imports by the Government.
Source: Bangladesh Bank, FEPD-1 Circular No. 30, 13 August 2026, Part A, paragraph 6 (page 7). The original circular is the authority.
So far: every import goes on Bangladesh Bank's scoreboard. First the plan (indent, PI or contract), then the real invoice. Imports without an LC are reported too. And for USD 3 million and above, the report goes in at least 24 hours before the LC is opened.
Next: how does a bank know the price on that PI is fair?
Four quick questions. Nobody sees your answers but you.
A-5(a): before establishing LCs or starting imports, ADs obtain the underlying indents, proforma invoices, or purchase or sales contracts.
A-5(d): permissible imports without LCs are reported as in (c), with an indication that they are without LCs.
A-6: for imports of USD 3 million and above, ADs report to OIMS before 24 hours of opening the LC.
A-6: the report excludes imports by the Government.
Anonymous. It only adds one to a count, so we know who the lessons are helping. We never learn who you are.
Brain feeling full? Take a tea break.