CIID seals warehouse over undocumented chemicals in Narayanganj

CIID seals warehouse over undocumented chemicals in Narayanganj. UNB

Dhaka, Nov 2 – The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has sealed a warehouse in Narayanganj after finding around 81.6 tonnes of chemicals, including Sodium Hydrosulfite, whose owner failed to produce documents proving their legal origin and stock.

The seizure has raised concerns over the possible misuse of bonded warehouse facilities and large-scale customs duty and tax evasion, according to a press release.

Acting on intelligence that chemicals imported duty-free under bond facilities were being illegally sold on the open market, a CIID team conducted a raid at Tanbazar in Narayanganj on Sunday.

During the operation, the team found the chemicals and other raw materials stored at the warehouse of M R Traders. The company failed to produce any documents supporting their purchase, import or lawful storage.

The authorities subsequently sealed the warehouse along with the stock of chemicals.

In a separate operation, CIID officials visited Sim Fabrics Ltd to verify allegations concerning the disappearance of chemicals imported under bond facilities.

The company had imported 45 tonnes of Sodium Hydrosulfite from India duty-free under bond facilities through Bill of Entry No. C-1293482, dated October 17, 2026.

However, the company failed to produce the imported chemicals during the inspection.

The investigators are examining whether the chemicals were diverted to the open market instead of being used in the company's manufacturing activities, as required under the bonded warehouse facility.

CIID is also investigating whether there is any connection between the missing chemicals at the bonded factory and the large stock found at the non-bonded warehouse of M R Traders.

The investigation will determine the actual source of the seized chemicals, details of their import and purchase, possible misuse of bond facilities and the amount of government revenue potentially evaded.

CIID said intelligence surveillance and enforcement operations would continue to prevent the misuse of bonded warehouse facilities, illegal marketing of duty-free raw materials and revenue evasion. - UNB