How Bangladesh built one of South Asia’s most advanced Trade Single Window systems

Launched in 2023 under the National Board of Revenue with World Bank support, the Bangladesh National Single Window is transforming the country’s trade ecosystem - digitising processes, connecting 20+ agencies, and setting a new benchmark for efficiency and transparency in the region.

 

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The background

For years, Bangladesh’s traders faced a fragmented, paper-based system with repetitive submissions, slow manual approvals, and poor coordination, causing costly delays and limited visibility across the trade process.

Recognising the urgent need for reform, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), with support from the World Bank, partnered with Webb Fontaine to launch the Bangladesh National Single Window (BDNSW) - a flagship initiative connecting all major border and regulatory agencies through one digital platform. Aligned with WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and WCO standards, BDNSW serves as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s trade modernisation and economic growth strategy.

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The action

Webb Fontaine was chosen as the trusted technology partner to design, implement, and operate Webb Single Window as the BDNSW platform - connecting Customs and over 20 Partner Government Agencies through a secure, data-driven ecosystem.

 

The implemented solutions include:

  • National Single Window Core Platform: Providing a unified framework for data exchange and agency collaboration.

  • LPCO System: Automating the issuance of licences, permits, and certificates to eliminate manual paperwork.

  • Trade Portal: Centralising trade information to help traders access accurate, up-to-date guidance.

  • Risk Management Module: Applying AI-driven profiling to accelerate cargo clearance.

  • e-Payment and e-Services Integration: Enabling seamless, paperless transactions and electronic approvals.

  • Agency Integration Framework: Ensuring full interoperability with ASYCUDA World and future cross-border systems.

These innovations created an end-to-end digital trade environment that enhances collaboration, transparency, and decision-making across all stakeholders.

The results

The Bangladesh National Single Window has already delivered measurable impact across the country’s trade ecosystem. By connecting over 20 government agencies through a single digital platform, BDNSW has streamlined procedures, reduced costs, and improved coordination between government and the private sector.

 

Through the digitisation of licensing, permits, and clearances under Webb Single Window, traders can now submit documents electronically, track applications in real time, and receive approvals within hours rather than days. These faster, paperless operations have generated substantial cost savings for both traders and government agencies, while enhanced data transparency has strengthened compliance and reduced opportunities for error or fraud.

80%

of trade-related licenses and permits processed within one day

20+

agencies integrated, handling 100,000 electronic transactions per month

Solutions implemented

Webb Single Window

Facilitate and optimise all trade operations in one place

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