According to Decision on Goods subject to licensing prior to import or export no. 0333/MOIC, dated 22 March 2022, the import and export of all type of road vehicles those operate by engine (except light truck with three wheels) are required to request for license from Department of Import and Export, Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Specific regulation that governs the import and export of vehicle is Decision on the Procedures for Vehicle Import and Distribution in the Lao PDR No.0075/MOIC.DIMEX dated 13 January 2012. 

To request for Import License of Vehicle for Distribution is required to make a request per import as follows:

Step 1.     Importer prepares documents for the application of Export License, which consists of:

-   Request Letter (download here)
-   Import License Application (download here)
-   A copy of Enterprise Registration Certificate (Original version is required for the first-time of importation)
-   A copy of Annual Tax Payment Certificate (Original version is required for the first-time of importation)
-   Invoice
-   Packing List
-   Technical Permission (for the import of used heavy duty machine). 

Step 2.     Importer pay fee (10,000 Kips) at Finance Division, Permanent Secretariat Office of Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC). Then submit the receipt of this payment together with other documents mentioned above to the front desk office of Department of Import and Export, Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Step 3.     Department of Import and Export considers the application in 01 days. In a case of a first-time import, the authority will need to inspect infrastructure of the enterprise (showroom, after sale service, and storage) prior to the import.

-         If the application is correct, the department will sign and authenticate the Import License.

-         If the application is incorrect, the department will notify the importer to re-submit the application.

Step 4.     Once the documents are complete and correct, Department of Import and Export will issue the Import License.

Step 5.     Importer collects the Import License of Vehicle for Distribution at Department of Import and Export, Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

When the importer obtains “Import License of Vehicle for Import License of Vehicle for Distribution”, the importer shall request for “Technical Approval” with Department of Transportation, Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MPWT) except for the import of used heavy duty machine that already obtained the Technical Approval will not requires to obtain it again. See procedure to request for Technical Approval.

• The following form/s are used in this procedure
• The procedure applies to the following measures
• The procedure applies to Step-by-Step Guide