Market
Fresh dates in Bangladesh are primarily an import-driven niche within the broader dates category, with no reliable evidence of significant commercial-scale domestic production for Phoenix dactylifera fruit. UN Comtrade/WITS data for HS 080410 (dates, fresh or dried) indicate that Bangladesh’s import supply is dominated by shipments from the United Arab Emirates, with additional supply from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan (2023). Import clearance commonly involves plant-quarantine controls for plant products alongside food-import governance via the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority’s National Food Import Information Management System (NFIIMS). For product quality reference, Codex has issued a dedicated international Standard for fresh dates (CXS 363-2025).
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market with supply largely met by imports
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Bangladesh’s plant-quarantine clearance requirements (e.g., missing PQW Import Permit, missing Phytosanitary Certificate, or failure to meet pest-freedom requirements referenced under Plant Quarantine rules) can result in shipment detention, added inspection, or non-release.Align shipment documentation with Bangladesh Customs plant-product checklist and ensure PQW Import Permit and exporting-country Phytosanitary Certificate are issued and consistent before dispatch.
Food Safety MediumBFSA import testing requirements for date palm include radioactivity (Caesium-137) compliance expectations referencing the Import Policy Order; failure to provide acceptable certification/testing outcomes can delay clearance or trigger rejection/controls.Confirm applicable BFSA testing/certification requirements for the consignment in advance and obtain exporter-issued test certification where required.
Documentation Gap MediumInconsistent product description/HS coding between plant-product (quarantine) workflows and food-import governance workflows can increase the chance of delays, repeated sampling, or additional queries during clearance.Use consistent product naming (fresh dates), HS codes, and document set across Customs, PQW, and BFSA/NFIIMS submissions; pre-check with the importer’s C&F agent.
Logistics MediumFresh dates are more time- and quality-sensitive than dried dates; port/airport congestion or extended inspection time can degrade quality and increase shrink, even if regulatory clearance is ultimately granted.Plan for priority handling and robust packaging; minimize dwell time through pre-arrival filings (including NFIIMS steps) and readiness for quarantine inspection.
FAQ
Which documents are typically required to clear imported fresh dates as a plant product in Bangladesh?Bangladesh Customs’ plant and plant product clearance process lists a Phytosanitary Certificate (issued by the exporting country) and an Import Permit issued by the Plant Quarantine Wing (DAE) as key documents, alongside core shipping documents such as the Bill of Entry, invoice/packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and a country of origin certificate.
What are the main origin countries supplying dates to Bangladesh in recent trade data?UN Comtrade/WITS partner-reported data for HS 080410 (dates, fresh or dried) show the United Arab Emirates as the largest exporter to Bangladesh in 2023, followed by Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan.
What are the key regulatory checks highlighted for date palm/date imports in Bangladesh’s import testing references?BFSA’s import testing requirements include plant-quarantine pest controls for date palm (referencing the Plant Quarantine Act and Plant Quarantine Rules) and a radioactivity check parameter (Caesium-137) at 50 bq/kg referenced to the Import Policy Order 2021–2024.