The USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Trade Activity held a validation workshop on the e-Appeal procedure, marking a pivotal advancement in the digitization of the country's Customs appeals system.

The workshop brought together key figures from NBR and industry stakeholders to review and validate the newly developed e-Appeal modules aimed at transforming customs operations and streamlining the appeals process, according to a press release.

The validation workshop highlighted the progress made in the development of the e-Appeal system, which currently includes eleven planned modules. These modules cover critical functions such as user registration, the e-appeal application, field office administration, reporting, and monitoring.

Automated features such as system logs, security, and regular backups are also part of the design. Throughout the development, consultations with key stakeholders, including in-person and online presentations, were conducted to ensure both technical and legal compliance.

The workshop included practical demonstrations of the e-Appeal system, offering participants an in-depth understanding of its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. This system promises to streamline the appeal process, reduce administrative burdens, and improve overall efficiency in Bangladesh’s Customs operations.

In addition to the validation of the e-Appeal procedure, the workshop also featured the launching of the Post Clearance Audit Manual, jointly developed by NBR and the Trade Activity. The PCA Manual is an essential tool designed to enhance audit capabilities and ensure compliance with international standards, such as the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organization revised Kyoto Convention. It will play a key role in strengthening transparency and accountability in Customs operations.

NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan expressed, “To overcome the challenges regarding operational expenditure, we need to invest in infrastructure, enhance our human resources, and modernize the NBR. We look forward to our development partners investing in these areas and bringing forward proposals that are best suited for Bangladesh’s needs.”

The Trade Activity has taken the lead in digitizing the entire appeal process across Appeal Commissionerate offices and the Appellate Tribunal. This initiative began with a comprehensive review of the existing appeal procedures, comparing them against the new Customs Act and the WCO RKC to identify gaps.