On 5 September 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ("MOIC") issued Notice No.1941/MOIC on List of Goods Requiring Registration for Goods Importer-Exporter ("Notice"). The Notice seeks to monitor the movement and payment of foreign currency from the import and export of goods by enterprises that are engaged in the import and export of goods throughout the country. The Notice adds in several categories of goods whose importation or exportation is subject to the registration requirement. Enterprises that import or export these goods shall obtain a certificate authorising their import or export activities ("certificate"). The additional categories of goods as specified in the Notice, along with the corresponding Harmonized System ("HS") codes from the World Customs Organization are as follows:
|
No. |
Description |
HS Code |
|
1. |
Mining |
2601 - 2617 except 2612 |
|
2. |
Electricity |
27160000 |
|
3. |
Wood and wood products |
4401 - 4421, 4701 - 4707,
4801 - 4812, 94 |
|
4. |
Spare parts and electronic equipment, electrical equipment |
8501 - 8548 |
|
5. |
Cigarettes |
240220 |
|
6. |
Alcoholic beverages |
2203 - 2206 or 2208 |
Enterprises that import or export the above goods must complete the registration with the MOIC's Department of Import and Export ("DIMEX") by 31 October 2023. Enterprises that are not registered with DIMEX will be prohibited from importing or exporting these goods. Importers and exporters of other goods not covered by the list have the option to register until otherwise directed by any notifications relating to the import and export registration requirements.
The affected enterprises shall complete the registration form attached to the Notice and liaise with DIMEX to obtain the certificate. An enterprise that provides incomplete documents or information will not be registered, and will not be able to import and export goods until the registration is completed.
Following successful registration, the relevant enterprises must inform the Bank of Lao PDR ("BOL") of all the accounts that they have opened with commercial banks and seek BOL certification of their commercial bank accounts. They will then request the commercial banks to convert their current accounts to a special import-export account.
