Bangladesh Apparel Leaders Demand Net Fabric Import Ban Reversal

Two of Bangladesh's most prominent apparel industry organizations have formally urged the government to reconsider a newly introduced restriction affecting the country's massive ready-made garment sector. On 1 September, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association took decisive action by sending separate official letters to the Ministry of Commerce in Bangladesh, addressing concerns over the latest regulatory changes.

At the center of the industry's collective apprehension is sub-clause 12 of article 25, a specific provision embedded within the newly drafted Import Policy Order 2026-2029. Under the terms of this newly introduced policy framework, a strict ban has been placed on the importation of net fabric into the country. Leaders from both trade organizations argue that this sweeping regulatory restriction poses a direct and immediate threat to the operational capabilities of export-oriented factories across Bangladesh.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, who serves as the President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, detailed the complex operational realities that make these specialized imports essential for local manufacturers. Highlighting the dynamic nature of the global marketplace, Mahmud Hasan Khan stated that international buyers' demands are continuously evolving, which forces domestic producers to constantly introduce product diversification. He further emphasized that maintaining specified quality standards, exact designs, and ensuring rapid delivery schedules often requires sourcing specific types of fabric from overseas markets. According to the BGMEA leader, if the scope for such essential imports is restricted, the normal operational activities of the export-oriented apparel industry face a severe risk of disruption.

Echoing these profound industry concerns, Mohammad Hatem, the President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, pointed out additional domestic challenges currently compounding the manufacturing sector's difficulties. Mohammad Hatem explained that producing goods according to foreign buyers' specific demands, precise quality benchmarks, and exact design requirements frequently necessitates importing fabrics from abroad. He specifically noted that numerous export-oriented factories within the country are already confronting significant production obstacles due to ongoing challenges such as a severe gas crisis, making the new import restrictions particularly mistimed.

In their formal communications with the Ministry of Commerce, both organization leaders have formally demanded the total cancellation or immediate suspension of the contentious provision targeting net fabric imports. As the nation's vital garment sector navigates both international supply chain demands and domestic energy shortages, the ultimate response from the commerce ministry regarding the Import Policy Order 2026-2029 remains a critical issue for exporters relying on materials traditionally routed through gateways like Chittagong Port and other supply channels.