The state-run Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is likely to issue automated generalised system of preference certificates for sectors beyond the apparel industry, officials said.
"So far, we've been issuing GSP certificates only for the readymade garment (RMG) exports destined to the European Union (EU). We're trying to reach beyond garment as early as possible," said Shubhashish Bose, vice chairman of the EPB.
"It will take time to issuance certificates for the non-RMG sectors, because it involves huge amount of funds and manpower. Besides, it depends on the RMG sector's future," he said.
He said that the EPB provided training to the exporters and other relevant people on the issuance of GSP certificates.
Already, the bureau has provided training to more than 2,000 applicants from mainly the export-oriented factoriess, he added.
Presently, the EPB issues 1,000 GSP certificates every day.
The EPB top official said his agency coordinates with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Bangladesh Bank for online verification of relevant documents in order to determine the authenticity of each consignment.
A section of exporters from foreign countries in connivance with local traders forge GSP certificates to avail the preferential advantage against their export to the EU, but the number of forgery, officials said, is negligible-less than 2.0 per cent.
"We believe that the automated issuance is very helpful. It has eliminated fraud and forgery associated with GSP certificate," an official of the ministry of commerce (MoC) said.
"If the government widens issuance of GSP certificate for other sectors, it will make significant contribution to boosting exports in future," he said.
The EPB has been issuing automated services for the registered exporters since September 2014 and an officials said the bureau plans to broaden the purview of automated issuance of GSP certificates to Chittagong and Narayanganj.
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