Bangladesh, there is no official category called “Multinational IRC” issued by the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E). However, the term “Multinational IRC” may be used informally or misunderstood to mean one of the following:

🔍 What People Might Mean by “Multinational IRC”

1. IRC for Multinational Companies (MNCs)

   • This refers to an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) obtained by a multinational company that operates in Bangladesh and needs to import goods for commercial or industrial use.

   • The IRC in this case is not different in form, but the company profile is multinational.

2. Industrial IRC for Multinational Companies

   • Many MNCs have manufacturing plants in Bangladesh. They apply for an Industrial IRC to import raw materials, spare parts, or capital machinery.

3. Commercial IRC for Trading MNCs

   • Some multinational trading companies or buying houses get a Commercial IRC to import goods for resale.

✅ Why is IRC Needed for Multinational Companies?

Whether a company is local or multinational, it needs an IRC for the same core reasons:

1. Legal Permission to Import

   • It is mandatory for any business (including MNCs) to obtain an IRC to legally import goods into Bangladesh.

2. Customs and LC Requirements

   • IRC is required to:

     • Open a Letter of Credit (LC)

     • Complete customs clearance

     • Process import documentation

3. Government Regulation and Reporting

   • IRC helps the government monitor and regulate import activities of MNCs.

4. Foreign Exchange Regulation Compliance

   • MNCs must comply with Bangladesh Bank’s rules, and having a valid IRC is part of that framework.

✅ Summary

Commercial IRC (Import Registration Certificate) is a legal document issued by the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E) under the Ministry of Commerce in Bangladesh. It is required for any business entity that intends to import commercial goods into Bangladesh.

There are two types of IRCs:

1. Industrial IRC – for factories or industries to import raw materials or capital machinery.

2. Commercial IRC – for businesses to import goods for trading or resale purposes.

Why is Commercial IRC Needed?

A Commercial IRC is essential for the following reasons:

1. Legal Requirement

   • Importing goods without a valid IRC is illegal in Bangladesh.

   • It ensures the importer is registered and recognized by the government.

2. Customs Clearance

   • Without an IRC, you cannot clear goods from ports or airports.

   • It is mandatory for preparing import documents (Bill of Entry, LC, etc.).

3. Open Letter of Credit (LC)

   • Banks require a valid IRC to open an LC for import transactions.

   • It shows your legitimacy as a commercial importer.

4. Regulatory Compliance

   • Helps maintain government records and control over importers.

   • Ensures importers comply with national trade policies.

5. Tax and VAT Registration

   • Having an IRC is often tied with TIN and VAT registration.

   • Authorities use IRC information for monitoring import-based tax compliance.

Who Needs a Commercial IRC?

• Importers and Traders

• Distributors bringing foreign goods into the market

• E-commerce or wholesale businesses importing items for sale

• Buying Houses or Commercial Agents

Industrial IRC (Import Registration Certificate) is a legal document issued by the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E) in Bangladesh. It is specifically meant for industrial or manufacturing businesses that need to import raw materials, capital machinery, and spare parts for production purposes, not for resale.

✅ Why is Industrial IRC Needed?

If your business operates a factory or production facility, you need an Industrial IRC for several important reasons:

1. Legal Right to Import

• Without an IRC, importing goods is illegal under Bangladeshi law.

• It confirms that your factory is registered and permitted to bring in foreign materials.

2. Import of Raw Materials and Machinery

• Industrial IRC allows you to import:

  • Raw materials

  • Packaging materials

  • Production-related equipment

  • Spare parts and capital machinery

3. Open L/C with Banks

• You must have an IRC to open a Letter of Credit (L/C), which is needed to import goods through a bank.

4. Customs Clearance

• IRC is mandatory for customs clearance at ports.

• Without it, you cannot release imported goods from customs.

5. Eligibility for Bonded Warehouse (if applicable)

• If you’re exporting goods and need bonded warehouse facilities, you must have an Industrial IRC.

6. Tax and Regulatory Compliance

• IRC is linked with your TIN, VAT, and company trade license.

• It ensures you’re in compliance with NBR, Customs, and Bangladesh Bank regulations.

📌 Who Needs an Industrial IRC?

• Manufacturing companies

• Factories and mills

• Export-oriented industries

• Processing plants (e.g. textiles, food, chemicals, etc.)

• EPZ and non-EPZ industrial units

🆚 Difference Between Industrial IRC and Commercial IRC

Required Documents:

• Valid Trade License

• Tax Identification Number (TIN) / Updated Income Tax Certificate

• National ID or passport copy of applicant

• Bank Solvency Certificate

• Membership Certificate of relevant Chamber or trade organizations

• Memorandum & Article of Association for Limited Company, Partnership Deed for Partnership Firm