Maldives Joins Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal in Customs Data-Sharing Pact
At the signing of the Memorandum of Intent between the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh on sharing pre-arrival information on goods |Photo: Maldives Customs Service
Maldives, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Intent to exchange pre-arrival information on goods, aiming to facilitate trade and strengthen customs controls across the region.
The agreement was signed in Malé during the 14th South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Customs Group meeting.
The signing was witnessed by Minister for Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan and Asian Development Bank Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist for South Asia Dr Yurendra Basnett.
Signed this morning, at the 14th @sasecprogram Customs Group Meeting Opening Ceremony, the framework will enable participating Customs administrations to exchange cargo information before goods arrive, strengthening customs control, compliance and coordination across borders. pic.twitter.com/pCQHPINfA1— Maldives Customs Service (@CustomsMv) August 19, 2026
The framework will allow customs administrations to exchange key cargo information before shipments arrive, strengthening coordination and compliance across borders.
The initiative is also expected to benefit businesses by reducing border delays, lowering logistics costs and improving shipment predictability and supply chain security.
The four countries said the cooperation will help make cross-border trade faster, safer and more reliable for businesses across the region.
