RMG Sector Bangladesh: Compliance, Export & Foreign Investment

The Readymade Garment (RMG) sector is governed by a multi-layered regulatory regime ensuring labor welfare, export quality, and foreign exchange stability. Key statutes include the Companies Act 1994 , Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 , and the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 .

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At a glance

Executive summary

The Readymade Garment (RMG) sector is governed by a multi-layered regulatory regime ensuring labor welfare, export quality, and foreign exchange stability. Key statutes include the Companies Act 1994 , Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 , and the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 .

Practice area foreign investment
Reading time About 3 min
Latest date Review pending

Statutory Framework for RMG Investment

The Readymade Garment (RMG) sector is governed by a multi-layered regulatory regime ensuring labor welfare, export quality, and foreign exchange stability. Key statutes include the Companies Act 1994, Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, and the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947.

Regulatory Compliance Matrix

Compliance AreaPrimary StatuteRegulatory Authority
Entity IncorporationCompanies Act 1994RJSC & Firm
Labor & SafetyBangladesh Labour Act 2006DIFE / BIDA
Export OperationsExport Policy Order 2021-24Export Promotion Bureau (EPB)
Foreign ExchangeForeign Exchange Regulation Act 1947Bangladesh Bank
TaxationIncome Tax Act 2023National Board of Revenue (NBR)

Investment Roadmap & Licensing

RJSC RegistrationBIDA RegistrationBGMEA/BKMEAERC IssuanceRMG Export Setup Workflow

Key Legal Obligations

  1. Factory Licensing: Under Section 9 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, every factory must be registered and licensed by the Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).
  2. Foreign Capital Remittance: Pursuant to Section 18B of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947, foreign investors must report inward remittances to Bangladesh Bank through authorized dealers.
  3. Utilization Declaration (UD): RMG units must obtain UD from trade bodies (BGMEA/BKMEA) to avail duty-free import of raw materials under the bonded warehouse scheme as per Customs Act 2023.
  4. Environmental Clearance: Compliance with the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 is mandatory for ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) installation.

Consult Barrister Liton Asaduzzaman Sarkar

Ensure your RMG investment meets all statutory requirements and international compliance standards.

Schedule Legal Scoping

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum requirement for foreign shareholding in an RMG company?

Under the Companies Act 1994, there is no minimum ceiling for foreign shareholding; 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) is permitted in the RMG sector, subject to BIDA registration and Bangladesh Bank reporting under Section 18 of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947.

Are RMG workers entitled to participation in profits?

Yes. According to Section 232 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, companies meeting specific capital or asset thresholds must establish a Workers' Participation Fund and a Welfare Fund, contributing 5% of net profit annually.

How is the export of RMG goods regulated?

Export is regulated by the Export Policy Order issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act 1950. Exporters must obtain an Export Registration Certificate (ERC) and comply with the 'Rules of Origin' to benefit from GSP facilities.

◆ Related Statutory Guides & Practice Insights

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Official Regulatory Authorities, Gazettes & Forms

Governing Primary Statutes: Companies Act 1994, Partnership Act 1932, Local Government (City Corporation) Act 2009

<div style="margin-bottom:12px; padding-bottom:12px; border-bottom:1px solid #1E293B;">
  <a href="https://www.roc.gov.bd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; font-size:14px; text-decoration:underline;">Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC) &nearr;</a>
  <p style="color:#94A3B8; font-size:12px; margin:4px 0 0 0; line-height:1.4;">Online Name Clearance, MoA/AoA Registration & Returns Filing</p>
</div>

<div style="margin-bottom:12px; padding-bottom:12px; border-bottom:1px solid #1E293B;">
  <a href="https://bida.gov.bd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; font-size:14px; text-decoration:underline;">Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) &nearr;</a>
  <p style="color:#94A3B8; font-size:12px; margin:4px 0 0 0; line-height:1.4;">One-Stop Service (OSS), 100% Foreign Equity Approvals & Branch/Liaison Office Permission</p>
</div>

<div style="margin-bottom:12px; padding-bottom:12px; border-bottom:1px solid #1E293B;">
  <a href="https://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; font-size:14px; text-decoration:underline;">Ministry of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs &nearr;</a>
  <p style="color:#94A3B8; font-size:12px; margin:4px 0 0 0; line-height:1.4;">Codified Statutory Laws of Bangladesh</p>
</div>
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