Banks barred from opening LCs for dietary supplements without DGDA nod

Banks will no longer be allowed to open letters of credit (LCs) for importing ‘dietary supplements’ without prior approval from the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA).

The instruction was issued on Wednesday through a circular sent by Bangladesh Bank to all commercial banks, based on a letter from the drug administration.

In the letter signed by Director (FEPD-1) Harun-Ar-Rashid, the DGDA said under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2023, the production, import, export, sale and distribution of dietary supplements, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, medical nutrition, therapeutic nutrition and related products require mandatory registration or prior approval from the authority.

It warned that violating the law by importing or marketing such products without approval is a punishable offence.

The DGDA said some traders have been importing these products from different countries without approval.

Customs authorities have been refusing to release such goods without registration or prior clearance, prompting importers to file writ petitions with the High Court Division.

In some cases, the court directed customs authorities to release the goods.

The customs authority later appealed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, which subsequently allowed release of goods under conditions as per law.

To ensure proper enforcement of the law, the DGDA has instructed that no LC or telegraphic transfer (TT) should be opened by banks for importing any supplement products without approval from the drug administration.