Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal Sign Memorandum of Intent on Pre‑Arrival Customs Information Exchange

The Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Intent establishing a new framework for cooperation in the exchange of pre‑arrival customs information, marking a notable advancement in regional trade facilitation efforts. The agreement was concluded on 19 August 2026 in Malé during the 14th South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Customs Group meeting.

The signing was witnessed by Ihusaan, Maldives Minister for Homeland Security, Labor and Technology, and Dr. Yurendra Basnett, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist , South Asia at the Asian Development Bank. Their presence highlighted the importance of the initiative for both national administrations and regional development partners working to modernise border processes.

Under the new framework, customs administrations across the four countries will be able to exchange essential cargo information before goods arrive at their respective borders. This shift to pre‑arrival data sharing is expected to strengthen compliance, improve risk management and enhance coordination among customs authorities, supporting more efficient and predictable border operations.

For the private sector, the initiative is anticipated to deliver practical benefits. Earlier access to shipment information will help reduce border delays, lower logistics costs and improve the reliability of cross‑border movements. Businesses engaged in regional trade are expected to gain from faster processing times, improved supply chain security and greater overall predictability in the movement of goods.

The Memorandum of Intent represents a significant step in advancing regional integration within the SASEC framework, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation in digital customs systems and coordinated border management across South Asia.