Bangladesh has expanded its export cargo screening capacity at the country’s airports, with authorities reinstating approval for direct UK-bound cargo screening using Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka. At the same time, a second Explosive Detection System (EDS) has been launched at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.

The information was shared in a press release issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) on Sunday.

According to CAAB, the developments have further aligned Bangladesh’s export cargo security system with international standards. The reinstatement of EDD screening for UK-bound cargo is expected to make the security verification process more reliable and efficient, reducing the risk of delays and additional re-screening for exporters.

The release added, the addition of a second EDS at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport will significantly increase cargo screening capacity, shorten processing time, and improve the overall efficiency of export operations. The move is also expected to help the airport handle growing cargo pressure while maintaining international security standards.

HSIA achieved Third Country EU Aviation Security Validated Regulated Agent (RA3) validation in 2017, enabling direct export cargo operations to the European Union and the United Kingdom. Under the validation, four screening methods have been used for export cargo security includes EDS, X-ray, Explosive Trace Detection (ETD), and EDD.

However, in 2021, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) temporarily suspended the use of the EDD method for direct UK-bound cargo. CAAB said the approval has now been restored following continuous diplomatic and technical coordination, along with regular communication with DfT and EU experts.

With the reinstatement, HSIA will now be able to fully utilize all four screening methods again, which officials believe will make cargo screening faster and more effective. CAAB also said more airlines are expected to obtain Air Carrier Carrying Cargo and Mail from Third Country Airport to European Countries (ACC3) validation, allowing them to operate direct cargo transportation services.

Meanwhile, Osmani International Airport obtained RA3 validation in 2021 and started direct export cargo operations to the EU and the UK. Although operations were suspended for a period, regular cargo operations resumed in April 2025.

The airport had already been operating cargo screening through EDS, X-ray, and ETD systems. Officials believe the addition of the second EDS machine will substantially boost Sylhet airport’s export cargo handling capability and create new opportunities for large-scale direct exports from the region.