A Bangladesh BIN (Business Identification Number) is a 13-digit VAT registration number issued by the National Board of Revenue. Importers and exporters must hold a valid, active BIN to file a bill of entry (Goods Declaration) on ASYCUDA World, and it can be verified for free on NBR's official BIN search portal.
A Business Identification Number (BIN) is the 13-digit VAT registration reference issued by Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR). Every commercial importer and exporter needs an active BIN to file a bill of entry (Goods Declaration) on ASYCUDA World — without one, customs will reject the declaration outright. This guide explains what a BIN is, how to verify one online for free, and how it connects to your bill of entry filing.
What is a BIN, and why does it matter for a bill of entry?
The BIN replaced the older VAT registration certificate system and is issued automatically when a business completes VAT registration on NBR's vat.gov.bd portal. It serves as the business's permanent identity within the VAT system and must appear on every commercial invoice, bill of entry, and VAT return the business files.
For imports specifically, your C&F agent cannot successfully submit a Goods Declaration on ASYCUDA World unless the importer's BIN is active and correctly matched to the business name on the invoice. A mismatched or inactive BIN is one of the most common reasons a bill of entry gets rejected or delayed at the document-check stage.
BIN number formats — 13-digit, 9-digit eBIN, and old BIN
Bangladesh has gone through more than one numbering system, and NBR's own lookup tools are split accordingly. Before searching, identify which type of number you have:
| Format | Digits | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Current BIN | 13 digits | The mandatory format since 30 November 2019 for all VAT-registered businesses |
| eBIN | 9 digits | An earlier electronic registration number issued before the 13-digit format was introduced |
| Old BIN | varies | Pre-automation manual VAT registration numbers, still searchable for legacy records |
If your invoice or certificate shows a number that doesn't match the 13-digit current format, you likely have an eBIN or old BIN on record — use the matching search tool below rather than the current BIN lookup.
How to check or verify a BIN online
NBR provides free, public, login-free lookup tools for each BIN format:
- 13-digit BIN search — available on NBR's official site for the current mandatory format. Enter the 13-digit number to confirm the registered business name and status.
- eBIN (9-digit) search — a separate lookup path for the earlier 9-digit electronic registration numbers.
- Old BIN search — for legacy, pre-automation registration records.
- VAT Online portal (vat.gov.bd) — the primary VAT registration system; businesses can also confirm their own BIN status by logging into their VAT Online account directly.
Always use NBR's official domains (nbr.gov.bd and vat.gov.bd) for verification — third-party sites that claim to "look up" a BIN for you are not authoritative and may be outdated or inaccurate.
Why verify a supplier's or buyer's BIN before filing
- Avoid GD rejection — ASYCUDA World checks the BIN against NBR's VAT registry; an inactive or incorrectly entered BIN will hold up your declaration
- Invoice compliance — Bangladesh VAT rules require both buyer's and seller's BIN to appear correctly on commercial invoices for domestic B2B transactions tied to the import
- Input VAT credit — VAT-registered importers claiming input tax credit need their own BIN correctly reflected on the bill of entry to support the claim
- Due diligence on local partners — verifying a local distributor's or buyer's BIN before a large transaction confirms they are a legitimate, currently-registered VAT entity
Common BIN problems and how to resolve them
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| BIN shows as inactive on lookup | VAT registration lapsed, return filing default, or business deregistered | Contact your VAT circle office or regularize filings through vat.gov.bd before importing |
| BIN search returns no result | Wrong format searched (e.g. entering an old BIN in the 13-digit search) | Confirm the digit count and use the matching NBR search tool |
| GD rejected for BIN mismatch | Business name on invoice doesn't exactly match the NBR-registered name for that BIN | Correct the invoice or update registration details with NBR before refiling |
| New business has no BIN yet | VAT registration not yet completed | Register free of charge on vat.gov.bd; certificate (Mushak 2.3) typically issued within a few working days |
Related guides
NBR duties & registration guide, ASYCUDA World filing guide, Format & document checklist.
Bangladesh bill of entry guides
Full Bangladesh customs cluster — NBR, ASYCUDA World, format, and Chittagong clearance.
Download BOE format
Free Word, Excel, and PDF-ready templates — use before filing in ICEGATE, NBR, or your national customs portal.
Prepare your import documentation
Use free templates, country guides, and step-by-step customs topics — no account required.