Your Trade Success Story Begins Here!

The Lao Trade Information Portal is your one-stop destination for comprehensive and up-to-date regulatory information pertaining to trade in Laos. Hosted and maintained by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, this portal serves as an invaluable resource for traders, offering easy access to a wealth of information. Here, you will find a repository of essential documents, including acts, decrees, non-tariff measures, procedures, and forms, all thoughtfully organized to facilitate quick and efficient navigation. Whether you are involved in import, export, or transit activities, our portal simplifies the often complex regulatory landscape, empowering businesses to thrive in the dynamic world of international trade.

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How to Export?

The portal offers a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the export process from Laos. It covers documentation requirements, customs procedures, and export regulations, ensuring that businesses can smoothly and confidently expand their reach to international markets.

 

 

 

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How to Import?

Discover the essential information on importing goods into Laos, including customs clearances, tariffs, and import regulations. Our portal simplifies the complex world of imports, providing clarity and guidance to facilitate efficient and compliant transactions.

 

 

 

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Trade with ASEAN

Explore the opportunities of trading within the ASEAN region. Our portal offers insights into ASEAN trade agreements, customs procedures, and market access, enabling businesses to harness the benefits of this dynamic economic community.

 

 

 

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SPS Enquiry

Stay informed about Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures through our dedicated SPS Enquiry Point. Access vital information on food safety, animal and plant health regulations, and SPS standards to ensure the safe movement of agricultural products.

 

 

 

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Discover Our Step-by-Step
Procedures

Our Trade Information Portal offers an all-encompassing, user-friendly platform designed to streamline your journey through Lao PDR's export-import regulations. From regulatory documents to step-by-step procedures and essential forms, our portal is your one-stop resource for business expansion. Allow the portal to simplify trade in Lao PDR for you. Follow our guided paths, and we'll lead you through every aspect of the export-import process, from securing permits and licenses to effortlessly navigating customs and tariffs.

 

 

Starting a Business in Lao PDR

To start a business in Lao PDR, begin by conducting thorough research on the specific regulations and requirements relevant to your industry. Register your business with the Department of Enterprise Registration (Ministry of Industry of Commerce), Provincial Office of Industry and Commerce or District Office of Industry and Commerce depends on business type then obtain the necessary permits, and licenses depends on type goods. Comply with labor laws, environmental regulations, and any sector-specific rules. Consulting with local authorities and seeking legal advice can help ensure a smooth and compliant business establishment process in Lao PDR. Note: If your business is under the Controlled Business List and the Concession List you must obtain an approval from the Ministry of Planning and Investment. For more information, check here.

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Major Exports of Lao PDR

In 2021, Laos exported a total of US$ 9.22 B, making it the ranking of 101 exporter in the world. During the last five reported years (2016-2021), the exports of Laos have increased by US$ 4.14B from US$ 5.08B in 2016 to US$ 9.22B in 2021. The most recent exports are led by Electricity (US$ 1.96B), Gold (US$ 1.79B), Other Uncoated Paper (US$ 508M), Copper Ore (US$ 339M), and Rubber (US$ 300M). The most common destinations for the exports of Laos are Thailand (US$ 2.99B), China (US$ 2.48B), Vietnam (US$ 1.24B), Australia (US$ 693M), and Switzerland (US$ 253M).

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Useful Links

Here, you'll find a list of useful websites that offer valuable insights, up-to-date regulations, and practical tips for individuals and businesses engaged in cross-border trade within the ASEAN region. Explore these links to unlock the doors to seamless international trade with Laos. Click other useful websites

 


Recent Uploads

Procedure
Procedures and service fee for cargo transportation through Lao-China Railway.
Procedures and service fee for cargo transportation through Lao-China Railway.
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Import License for Live Animals/Animal Products
Before importing, the operator must obtain an import license for live animals/animal products from the relevant sector.
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Inspection procedures for the release of import goods at international customs (Amendment 2022)
The procedure to release import goods at the international customs must follow the instructions on the detailed tax declaration by electronic system No. 00097/DC, dated 06 January 2017.
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Legal Document
National Policy on Crop Production Promotion of the Lao PDR, No. 226/PM, date 10 July 2023.
National Policy on Crop Production Promotion of the Lao PDR, No. 226/PM, date 10 July 2023.
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Instruction on Plant Seed Business, No. 4647/DOA, dated 14 November 2023.
Instruction on Plant Seed Business, No. 4647/DOA, dated 14 November 2023.
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Notification on registration of animal feed and veterinary medicine, No. 1146/MOAF, dated 20 March 2024
Notification on registration of animal feed and veterinary medicine, No. 1146/MOAF, dated 20 March 2024
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Forms
Lao National Single Window (LNSW) User Account Creation Request Form
Lao National Single Window (LNSW) User Account Creation Request Form
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Vietnam transit request letter
Vietnam transit request letter
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Registration of pharmaceutical professional for a pharmaceutical retail business_Lao
Registration of pharmaceutical professional for a pharmaceutical retail business_Lao
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Measures
Requirement to obtain export license - Industrial Explosives Materials
To export the industrial explosives materials, it is a must to obtain an export permit from National Defense Industry Department, Ministry of National Defense
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Prohibition for importing foreign satellite receivers
Import of foreign satellite receivers is suspended since 01 February 2018. Every owner and business operator of satellite receivers must notify and register with the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of the province.
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Requirement to obtain export permit - Media Publication Products
To export media publication products, it is necessary to obtain an export permit from Department of Public Media, MICT.
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Latest Articles, Announcements & News

Latest Articles
Household Welfare Monitoring in the Lao PDR 2020
Household Welfare Monitoring in the Lao PDR 2020
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Lao Economic Monitor, May 2023: Addressing Economic Uncertainty - Key Findings
Lao Economic Monitor, May 2023: Addressing Economic Uncertainty - Key Findings.
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Lao PDR: Reform Essential to Restore Economic Stability (November 2022)
Lao PDR: Reform Essential to Restore Economic Stability (November 2022)
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Latest Announcements
The United Kingdom is updating the Export Health Certificates
The United Kingdom will soon be implementing changes to the format of health certificates for live animals and animal products originating from the United Kingdom that will be imported into Lao PDR.
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Opening for comments on 5 draft construction standards
The Department of Standardization and Metrology, Ministry of Industry and Commerce has opened public comments on the draft of 5 standards (Self-adhering polymer, waterproofing material, mixed cement, concrete block and concrete wall) until the deadline on 16 September 2024.
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Conditions for exporting fruits and plants to China
This year, China has issued conditions for importing 3 types of fruits and plants from the Lao PDR which are cashew nuts, fresh mangoes and raw materials for processing traditional Chinese medicine.
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Latest News
Capacity building e-CO System in the South
Continue to strengthen authorities and business units in the 5 Southern Provinces in filling out the form to request and issue the last version of the Electronic Certificate of Origin Issuing System or e-CO Version 2 to have more acknowledgments.
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The Lao foreign trade in August 2024 was valued at USD 1,211 million.
The value of import and export (excluding electricity) of Lao PDR in August 2024 reached USD 1,211 million, decreased by 0.8% compared to July 2024. In this category exports were USD 541 million, increased by 1.4% and imports were USD 670 million, which decreased by 2.4% compared to last month. The top five export commodities were electric equipment, mixed gold, rubber, paper and copper ore. In comparison, the top five import commodities were diesel, mechanical equipment, land vehicles, chemical products and electric equipment. (Source: Lao Trade E-State, Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce)
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Lao tea is highly demanding in a large market.
China is the largest neighboring country with a large market for Laos, thus tea from the wild of Laos is highly demanding in the Chinese market. Lao tea can be seen as another main Otop product that can increase income and more jobs for the locals to earn the most benefits from exporting tea.
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