Cash Incentive for Export of Hardware, Software & ITES in Bangladesh
What is a Cash Incentive?
A cash incentive is a direct financial reward from the government provided to exporters based on the value of their eligible exports. It aims to enhance competitiveness in the global market and encourage higher export volumes — giving ICT exporters a real financial reason to pursue international clients and foreign-currency contracts.
Eligible Export Sectors
Exporters in the following categories are eligible for the cash incentive:
BPO, call centers, remote customer support, etc.
under specific conditions
Current Incentive Rate
As of the most recent government circular:
Processing Time
- Submission Time: Within 180 days from the realization of export proceeds.
- Processing Time: Around 30–90 working days, depending on the bank and required verification.
- Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or discrepancies arise.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the cash incentive, the following documents must be submitted through your Authorized Dealer (AD) bank:
- Application Form (as per Bangladesh Bank guidelines)
- Export Proceeds Realization Certificate from AD bank
- Commercial Invoice
- Form-C
- Packing List (for physical goods)
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (for physical goods)
- Customs Export Declaration — EXP Form (for physical goods)
- Copy of the Contract or Work Order
- Certificate from BASIS or BCS
- Undertaking Letter on Stamp
How to Apply for the Cash Incentive
Complete your software, ITES, or hardware export and receive the foreign currency through a banking channel.
Gather all documentation including the Export Proceeds Realization Certificate, invoices, Form-C, shipping details, and contracts.
Submit the above documents to a trade association like BASIS or BCS to get a certificate in the prescribed form.
After getting the association's certificate, submit the cash incentive application and documents to your authorized bank (the one through which export proceeds were received) within 180 days from the SWIFT date.
The auditor reviews and verifies all submitted information, may seek clarification or additional documents, and may physically visit your business location to verify your products, services, and export process. After successful verification, the auditor issues an individual cash incentive certificate for your application.
The bank then claims reimbursement from Bangladesh Bank, which usually reimburses the payment on a timely basis.
Important Notes
- Companies must maintain proper documentation and declare their exports legally to qualify.
- Export payments must be received through official banking channels.
- Any false declaration or forged document can lead to disqualification and legal action.
- Government authorities like the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) may audit at any time.
A Major Boost for Bangladesh's Digital Economy
The cash incentive program for ICT exports rewards export proceeds with real financial value, creating strong motivation for entrepreneurs, startups, and tech companies to expand globally. Whether you're an established exporter or a new tech startup, understanding and utilizing this incentive can help you scale faster and invest in growth.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Incentive rates, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements are set by Bangladesh Bank and may change over time. Please verify current requirements with your Authorized Dealer bank or a licensed professional before applying.
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