Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations - Laos

The Lao economy remains a limited trade for Australian companies. In 2007-2008 the total value of Australian exports to Laos was just over $ 21 million. A significant part of this ($ 6 million) was represented with non-monetary gold, closely followed by alcoholic beverages ($ 2,4 million). Laos currently imposes an unwieldy system of import and export licensing, as well as quantitative and price controls on certain sensitive imports, including various agricultural items and steel bars. In Laos all imports and exports are subject to a strict system of licensing. Each importer must have a valid licence and must operate according to certain state directives. Validity of licences is 3 months.

The following goods are prohibited for import in Laos:
• narcotic drugs;
• war items;
• obscene items;
• toxic chemicals;
• other dangerous industrial products.

Product certification, labeling and packaging
All food and drink products imported to Laos from Australia for distribution must carry labeling in Lao language. The labeling has been approved by the Food and Drug Control Department. In principle, food product labels are required to indicate the following:
• country of origin;
• name of product;
• important contents of products in percentage in relation to gross weight, in decreasing order;
• production date or expiry date, depending on products;
• registration number for food products;
• name and location of producers or company that packed products for distribution;
• if available, advice on storage, preparation methods, use of preservatives and colorings;
• quantity of product (expressed in metric system).

As there is no cold storage in Laos, goods should be carefully packed to protect against adverse weather conditions, particularly heat and humidity.

Documentary requirements
A pro-forma invoice is required for the establishment of a letter of credit. In order to enable goods to be cleared through Lao Customs the following documentation is required:
• certificate of origin (2 copies)
• declaration form (3 sets)
• packing list (2 copies)
• import permit from Ministry of Commerce (7 copies)
• airway bill or bill of lading (3 copies)
• commercial invoice indicating the buyer and seller of the goods and price paid (2 copies)
• other permits from relevant ministry or department, if required (2 copies)