A total of 3,000 traders across the country will get opportunity to import used clothes (second-hand clothes) in the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, official sources said.
Importers will be selected based on population density in each district and through lotteries held by the deputy commissioners (DCs) concerned, the sources added.
Each trader can import used clothes worth maximum Tk 50,000.
They will have to submit appropriate documents ensuring that the consignments of clothes to be imported from different countries are all free from toxic and hazardous substances, said the sources.
Importers can bring in only six types of products - cardigan, sweater, zipper jacket, trousers, blanket, and synthetic and blended shirts.
The authorities concerned will take tough action against those who will import clothing items other than the specified types of clothes.
The government on May 30, 2023 issued a notification in this regard.
For importing used clothes, the traders will have to apply to the DCs by September 30 this year.
They will have to open letters of credit (LCs) by 28 February, 2024 and complete shipment of clothes by May 15, 2024.
An importer said the government's agency concerned should have taken the decision on import of second-hand clothes before November.
Second-hand clothes are mainly used during winter season. "So, it is too late," he said.
A total of 268 importers will be selected from Dhaka region including the capital while 476 will be selected from other districts of the region.
Besides, the rest of the importers will be picked from other divisions, including Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Mymensingh, and Rangpur, according to the office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports.
Importers said import of used clothes has been rising gradually throughout the years due to the items' increasing demand.
In winter season, used warm clothes have a great demand mainly to the country's fixed-income people.
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