Myanmar: Documents for Importers and Exporters

Myanmar: Documents for Importers and Exporters

 

The vast majority of imported and exported commodities require a licence in Myanmar. Certain commodities require additional documentation (i.e. that a product conforms to technical standards) and sometimes even permission from certain ministries. Importing live animals, for instance, requires approval from the Ministry of Commerce.

It is the responsibility of the importer or exporter to ensure that all commodities being brought in or out of Myanmar have the necessary documents and are correctly processed based on the World Customs Organization’s 8-digit Harmonized System (HS).

The Myanmar Special Companies Act, 1950, permits foreign companies to be registered in the country as limited companies or in a joint venture. Otherwise, foreign firms may apply for permission to register as importers or exporters under the Myanmar Investment Law, 2016.

There are four types of entities which may apply for export licenses:

• Limited Companies;
• Joint Venture Corporations;
• Co-operatives (registered under the Co-operative Societies Law)
• Foreign firms registered under the Myanmar Investment Law, 2016

 

Importing goods to Myanmar

 

Requirements for importing goods to Myanmar

 

1. To import goods into Myanmar, a company must register itself with the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). Fortunately for overseas companies, the DICA recently created a digital single clearance window for registration called the One Stop Service (OSS). Companies can register themselves with the DICA for up to five years. Once registered with the DICA, a company must then register itself with Myanmar’s Department of Trade (under the Ministry of Commerce). Registrations with the Department of Trade are limited to three-year periods and cost Kyat 50,000 (US$36.50) per year. All importers are also required to join the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

 

1. To import goods into Myanmar, a company must provide an import declaration form called CUSDEC—1 Import Declaration Form as well as the CUSDEC—4 Customs Valuation Form.
2. Importers are required to provide these additional documents: The importer must present these documents to customs officials when imported goods arrive in Myanmar.

• Import License;
• Invoice;
• Bill of lading, air consignment note, or truck note;
• Cargo release order;
• Terminal handling report;
• Packing list;
• Technical standard and health certificate (when required) and;
• Recommendation from concerned ministry (when required).

 

Exporting goods from Myanmar

 

Requirements for exporting goods from Myanmar:

           

1. To export goods from Myanmar, a company must register itself with the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). For overseas companies, the DICA recently created a digital single clearance window for registration called the One Stop Service (OSS). Companies can register themselves with the DICA for up to five years. Once registered with the DICA, a company must then register itself with Myanmar’s Department of Trade (under the Ministry of Commerce). Registrations with the Department of Trade are limited to three-year periods and cost Kyat 50,000 (US$36.50) per year. All exporters are also required to join the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

 

1. To export goods from Myanmar, a company must provide an export declaration form called CUSDEC—2 as well as the CUSDEC—4 Customs Valuation Form.

 

1. These additional documents are also required. The exporter must present these documents to customs officials before exported goods leave Myanmar:

• Export license;
• Invoice;
• Bill of lading;
• Packing list;
• Sales contract;
• Shipping instructions;
• Letter of credit or general Remittance or Exemption Certificate;
• Sample of goods;
• Fumigation certificate (when required);
• Phytosanitary certificate (when required)
• Recommendation from concerned ministry (when required).