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
Clearance import fish, aqua animals or aqua products
Clearance import fish, aqua animals or aqua products
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Import License for fish, aqua animals or aqua products
Import License for fish, aqua animals or aqua products
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Clearance for import food and beverage
Clearance for import food and beverage
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Legal Document
Decree on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail
This Decree establishes the principles, regulations and measures governing the management, monitoring and inspection of the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail, in order to ensure that such activities are conducted rigorously, efficiently, effectively and in a modern manner; to facilitate the convenient, safe and timely transport of dangerous goods domestically and across borders without adversely affecting the environment; and to contribute to national socio-economic development.
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Decree on Fuel Business No. 559/PM; dated 09 September 2025.
This Decree establishes principles, regulations, and measures for the management and monitoring of fuel business operations to ensure compliance with the law, adequate fuel supply, and efficient and effective business operations, thereby contributing to national socio-economic development.
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Presidential Ordinance on the Amendment of Excise Tax Rates on Certain Types of Goods No. 003/ POL; dated 09 October 2023
This Presidential Ordinance increases the excise tax rates on certain goods subject to excise tax, as specified in Part IV, Article 15 of the Law on Amendments to Certain Articles of the Tax Law and the Excise Tax Law. The increased rates are temporary and will remain in effect until the Excise Tax Law is amended. The measure aims to reduce foreign currency outflows, strengthen regulation, discourage wasteful consumption, and ensure the accurate and complete collection of excise tax revenue for the state budget, thereby contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
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Forms
Certificate of Origin Form for Goods from Mongolia
Certificate of Origin Form for Goods from Mongolia
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Issuance Application Form of a Certificate of Origin for Privileged Goods
This Application Form Is to Apply for a Certificate of Origin of Privileged Goods
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Lao National Single Window (LNSW) User Account Creation Request Form
Lao National Single Window (LNSW) User Account Creation Request Form
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Measures
A license is required to export fertilizers.
Individuals, legal entities, and organizations intending to import fertilizers must obtain permission from the Agriculture and Environment Sector.
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A license is required to import fertilizers.
Individuals, legal entities, and organizations intending to import fertilizers must obtain permission from the Agriculture and Environment Sector.
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Imported fertilizers must be randomly sampled for testing.
Imported fertilizers must be randomly sampled at the border for quality testing in accordance with specified standards.
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Latest Articles, Announcements & News

Latest Articles
Time Released Study Handbook
Department of Customs, Ministry of Finance incorporate with Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce released the guidebook for Time Released Study_TRS
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Trade and Transport Facilitation Newsletter for 2025
NTTFC released Trade and Transport Facilitation Newsletter for 2025
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Update of the Readiness Assessment for Cross-Border Paperless Trade: Lao People's Democratic Republic
The ESCAP published ''Update of the Readiness Assessment for Cross-Border Paperless Trade: Lao People's Democratic Republic''
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Latest Announcements
Türkiye apply new regulations for the export of the certain animal products and other products subject to veterinary controls to the Republic of Türkiye as of 1st January 2026
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye will apply new regulations for the export of the certain animal products and other products subject to veterinary controls to the Republic of Türkiye as of 1st January 2026
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Vehicle's Import-Export Licensing Form
Importers and Exporters are requested to use this amended form for handing Vehicle's Import-Export Licensing
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Notification on Required Documents for the Import Licensing of Land vehicles No.2204/PSO MOIC
Required Request Form for Certificate of Origin for Imported Goods from Mongolia
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Latest News
The Department of Foreign Trade and the Customs Department Hold a Training Workshop for the Responsible Task Force in Preparation for the 2026 Time Release Study (TRS) of the Lao PDR
The Training Workshop for the Responsible Task Force in Preparation for the 2026 Time Release Study (TRS) of the Lao PDR was aimed at equipping the responsible task force, appointed under Agreement No. 008/NTTFC.S dated 4 August 2026, with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge and expertise on the principles, scope and methodology of the Time Release Study in accordance with the standards of the World Customs Organization (WCO), while ensuring the quality of the data to be analysed, so that the 2026 TRS can be conducted effectively.
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A Meeting on the Impact Assessment of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs)
The meeting was aimed at building a common understanding among the public sector agencies responsible for researching, drafting and revising trade-related legal instruments, with regard to the definition and the importance of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs), the methodology for compiling and classifying such measures and, most importantly, the assessment of the impact of NTMs in accordance with the Instruction issued, so as to ensure a consistent and uniform approach.
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The National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee Held Its 4th Nationwide Meeting
the National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee (NTTFC) convened its 4th Nationwide Meeting both in-person and virtual formats. The meeting was organized to present the progress report on the implementation of trade and transport facilitation activities covering the period from the second half of 2025 to the first half of 2026, determine the strategic directions and operational work plan for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, and discuss key issues related to trade and transport facilitation.
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