02/10/2026
BENDSTA DECLARES ZERO TOLERANCE AGAINST
ILLICIT AND SMUGGLED ENDS PRODUCTS
Bangladesh Electronic Ni****ne Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA) declares zero tolerance against the trade, distribution or sale of smuggled, illicit, counterfeit or clone products, expiry-date tampered products, unbranded products, or any other non-compliant ENDS products in Bangladesh.
Over the last year, we have observed the growth of an organised black market, including networks engaged in cross-border smuggling and the distribution of illicit products through various physical and digital channels. We have also identified suspected traders operating under the appearance of legitimate retail brands while being involved in illicit supply and distribution activities.
Now that normal business operations in the sector have been restored, our message to everyone involved in such activities is clear: refrain immediately.
BENDSTA has formed its Market Integrity & Anti-Illicit Trade Committee (MIATC) to identify, monitor and document suspected illicit trading networks. The Committee is compiling information relating to Facebook groups, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and other channels suspected of facilitating the sale or distribution of smuggled, counterfeit and otherwise illicit products.
Relevant documented information will be submitted to the appropriate government and law-enforcement agencies for investigation and necessary enforcement action across the country.
BENDSTA will not tolerate tax evasion, government revenue leakage, illicit trade, or any activity that undermines legitimate and compliant businesses.
Our position is clear: if you want to operate in the ENDS sector, you must remain compliant in every aspect of your business.
This includes proper and lawful importation, applicable VAT and tax compliance, legitimate sourcing documentation, and robust age verification at every point of sale as a standard industry practice for youth access prevention.
BENDSTA has already established its Youth Access Prevention (YAP) Committee to strengthen responsible retail practices and promote robust age-verification standards throughout the sector.
We call upon consumers, importers, distributors and retailers to BE VIGILANT.
Put illicit trade under the spotlight. Report suspected smuggling, counterfeit or clone products, expiry-date manipulation, tax evasion, and other suspected illegal activities.
STAY COMPLIANT. STAY VIGILANT. REPORT ILLICIT TRADE.
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ILLICIT TRADE.
Bangladesh Electronic Ni****ne Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA)
