Decree on Technology Account Comes into Operation on 3 June 2022

On 19 May 2022, the Decree on Technology Account No.540/GOV dated 16 August 2021 ("Decree") was published on the Electronic Official Gazette ("e-Gazette"). The Decree took effect 15 days from the date of its publication in the e-Gazette, namely on 3 June 2022. The Decree has been issued to implement the Law on Technology Transfer which reflects the government policy on technology transfer. The law aims to promote technology transfer that is accurate, clear and appropriate for use in Lao PDR. 

"Technology Account" refers to the type of technology, the transfer of which may be promoted, regulated or prohibited. 

1. Technology account promoted transfer – This refers to the transfer of clean technologies, high technologies, or appropriate technologies that are advanced, modern, consistent and responsive to the conditions of national socio-economic development. These include: (i) Nanotechnology, and technology for the production of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), and devices that use MEMS or NEMS; (ii) technologies for the production of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light-emitting diode), and plasma; (iii) technologies for the production of sensor and transducer devices; (iv) wireless communication technology; (v) technologies for the production of Robots; and (vi) space technology.


2. Technology account regulated transfer – This refers to the transfer of technologies that may have a negative impact on or cause damage to the socio-economic, environmental and national interests of the country, and is therefore regulated. Examples of this type of technology include: (i) technologies for the production of incandescent bulbs, vacuum electronic components, half-layer and double-layer electronic circuit boards, and explosives used in industries; and (ii) technologies for printing banknotes and valuable documents.


3. Technology account prohibited transfer – This refers to the transfer of technologies that have adverse effects on the country or are unable to meet the needs of the country regarding socio-economic development. This type of technology includes: (i) technologies for the production of drugs, products containing explosive chemicals, and paints combined with mercury; (ii) technologies for the use of mercury in the mining process; and (iii) human genetic technology to create human embryos.