WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  RESTRICTED 
WT/ACC/LAO/25 
24 January 2012 
 (12-0483) 
Working Party on the 
Accession of the Lao PDR Original:   English 
 
 
 
ACCESSION OF THE LAO PDR 
 
Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures 
  
 The following submission, dated 16 January 2012, is being circulated at the request of the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). 
 
_______________ 
 WT/ACC/LAO/25 
Page 2  
 
  I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS  
1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to each, 
reply to the following questions as relevant, pl acing all of the material with respect to a 
given system in sequence together, and us ing cross references as appropriate when 
elements which have already been descri bed are also present in another system. 
Answer: 
The import licensing system in Lao PDR is main tained generally under Decree No. 180/PM of 
7 July 2009 "On Import Licensing Procedures" ("Decree No. 180/PM"), within the general principles as set-out by Decree No. 114/GoL of 6 April 201 1 "On Import and Export of Goods" ("Decree 
No. 114/GoL").  
Both automatic and non-automatic import licensing systems operate in Lao PDR.  The Ministry of 
Industry and Commerce in close consultations with relevant line ministries a nd state agencies defines 
the list of goods subject to automatic and non-automa tic import licensing systems.  This consultation 
mechanism is carried out based on general principles set-out by Decree No. 114/GoL. 
Defining and supervising the implementation of the policy for import licensing for each type of goods 
fall under the responsibility of the ministry supervis ing such goods.  For example, the Ministry of 
Health defines and supervises the implementation of  the policy for import licensing of medicines and 
food.  In addition to supervising the implementation of the policy for import licensing, the Ministry of 
Industry and Commerce serves as the focal point to inform the public of the list of goods subject to 
import licensing requirements in order to facilitate in ternational trade.  The rules and regulations for 
import licensing procedures are administered in a transparent, fair and impartial manner. 
Products subject to Auto matic Import Licensing 
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what products, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
The list of goods subject to import licenses is as follows:  
- Road vehicles, except road vehicles with three wheels; 
- Petroleum and gas; 
- Logs, trunks, barks and rough-processed timber;  
- Rice, rice in the husk, husked (brown) rice, semi -milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not 
polished or glazed; 
- Bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound co ils, of iron or non-alloy steel; other bars and 
rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not further wo rked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or 
hot-extruded, but including those twisted afte r rolling; other bars and rods of iron or 
non-alloyed steel; angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel; 
- Cement, mortar, concrete; 
- Publications; 
- Minerals and mineral products; and 
- Timber exploitation machines, logging machin es, chain saws including parts and equipment 
thereof.  WT/ACC/LAO/25 
 Page 3 
 
 
  2. The system applies to goods originatin g in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
It applies to products originating in and coming from all countries. 
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quanti ty or value of imports, and if not, what are 
its purposes?  Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered 
and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
Automatic import licensing is applied for statistical  and monitoring purposes.  The licensing is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. 
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensing statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave designation of 
products to be subjected to licensing to admini strative discretion?  Is it possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abol ish the system without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
The licensing system is a statutory requirement of Decree No. 180/PM as implemented by relevant 
authorities of the Lao PDR.  The legislation does not  leave designation of products to be licensed to 
administrative discretion.  The licensing system may be abolished without  legislative approval. 
III. PROCEDURES 
1. For products under restriction as to the qua ntity or value of import s (whether applicable 
globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally). 
 (a) Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and 
formalities of filing applications for lice nses?  If not, how is it brought to the 
attention of possible importers?  Of g overnments and export promotion bodies of 
exporting countries and their trade representatives?  Is the overall amount published?  The amount allocated to good s from each country?  The maximum 
amount allocated to each importer?  How to request any exceptions or derogations 
from the licensing requirement? 
 (b) How is the size of the quotas determin ed:  on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly 
basis?  Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licenses are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?  In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to a pply for fresh licence on a six-monthly or 
quarterly basis? 
 (c) Are licenses allo tted for certain goods partly or on ly to domestic producers of like 
goods?  What steps are taken to ensure that  licenses allocated are actually used for 
imports?  Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period?  Are 
the names of importers to whom licenses have been allocated made known to 
governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request?  
If not, for what reason?  (Indicate products to which replies relate) 
 (d) From the time of announcing the openin g of quotas, as indica ted in I above, what 
is the period of time allowed for the su bmission of applications for licenses? WT/ACC/LAO/25 
Page 4  
 
   (e) What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing 
applications? 
 (f) How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licenses and the 
date of opening of the period of importation? 
 (g) Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ?  
Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?  
If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
 (h) If the demand for licenses cannot be fully  satisfied, on what basis is the allocation 
to applicants made?  First come, first served?  Past performance?  Is there a 
maximum amount to be alloca ted per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it 
determined?  What provision is made for new importers?  Are applications 
examined simultaneously or on receipt? 
 (i) In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export 
permits are issued by exporting countries, a re import licenses also required?  If so, 
are licenses issued automatically? 
 (j) In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the 
importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries? 
 (k) Are there products for which licenses a re issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market? 
Answer: 
Not applicable. 
2. Where there is no quantitative limit on im portation of a product or on imports from a 
particular country: 
 (a) How far in advance of importation mu st application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the 
port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
 (b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request?  (c) Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
licence and/or importation may be made?  If so, explain.  
 (d) Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? 
Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?  
If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
(a) In accordance with Article 2.2(a)(ii) of WTO Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, an 
application for a licence may be submitted on an y working day prior to the customs clearance 
as defined by Article 6.2 of the Decree No. 180/ PM. Properly submitted applications shall be 
approved immediately on receipt, to the exte nt administratively feasible, but within a 
maximum of 10 working days. 
(b) A licence can be granted immediately on requ est, to the extent administratively feasible. 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of  the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
(d) Consideration of licence applications is effected by a single administrative body.  WT/ACC/LAO/25 
 Page 5 
 
 
  3. Under what circumstances m ay an application for a licence be refused other than failure 
to meet the ordinary criteria?  Are the reas ons for any refusal given to the applicant?  
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to 
what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
Beyond the failure of an applicant to meet sta ndard criteria, a request for import licence may be 
refused by the relevant authority.  The reasons fo r refusal of issuing a licence are provided in writing 
to the applicant.  The applicants have the right to appeal against such a refusal in front of the higher 
authority and/or to seek recourse to the court of  the Lao PDR in accordance with the Law No. 7/NA 
of 9 November 2005 "On Handling Petition" to reverse such a refusal.  
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORTERS TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses:  (a) under restrictive licensing systems? 
 (b) under non-restrictive systems? 
 If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation?   
Answer: 
All individuals, entities and organizations are eligib le to apply for a licence as long as they meet the 
specific requirements.  
V. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR 
LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applicatio ns?  Submit a sample form.  What documents is 
the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
The application for a licence contains the general in formation regarding the applicant (name, address, 
contact details) and product in question (quantity, value, country of origin, point of importation). 
The following documents have to be an nexed to the application for a licence: 
- Copy of valid enterprise registration certif icate or concession certificate (for applicants 
domiciled in Lao PDR); 
- Copy of valid business registration certificate issued by the competent authority of the 
relevant country (for applicants residing outside of Lao PDR); or 
- Copy of Valid ID card or Passport. 
Please see the sample application form in Annex 1. WT/ACC/LAO/25 
Page 6  
 
  2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
At the time of actual importation, the import licence must be presented to the customs at the port 
where the entry takes place.  
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative char ge?  If so, what is th e amount of the fee or 
charge? 
Answer: 
Please refer to Presidential Edict No. 03/PO of  19 November 2008 "On Fees and Services Charges"1,  
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requi rement associated with the issue of licenses?  
If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is  refundable, the period of retention and the 
purpose of the requirement. 
Answer:  
No deposit or advance payment is required in  connection with the issue of licenses. 
VI. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licen ce?  Can the validity of a licence be extended?  
How? 
Answer: 
An import licence is valid for one year and can be extended not exceeding three months. 
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a po rtion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty for the non-utilization or a portion of a licence. 
3. Are licenses transferable between importers?   If so, are any limitations or conditions 
attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Import licence is not transferable.  
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence? 
 (a) For products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) For products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
There are no other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence. 
                                                      
1 Available for consultation in the WTO Secretariat (in English only).  WT/ACC/LAO/25 
 Page 7 
 
 
  VII. OTHER PROCEDU RAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administ rative procedures, ap art from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation. 
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking author ities for goods to be 
imported?  Is a licence required as a condition  to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign 
exchange always available to cover licenses issu ed?  What formalities must be fulfilled for 
obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is provided for goods to be imported as agreed between commercial banks and 
importers. WT/ACC/LAO/25 
Page 8  
 
  Products subject to Non-Automatic Licensi ng under General and Security Exceptions  
(Articles XX and XXI of the GATT 1994) 
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what products, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
The list of goods subject to import licenses is as follows:  
- Guns and bullets for sportive purpose;  
- Explosives used in industries (explosives, explos ive equipment, explosive objects, fireworks); 
and 
- Gold bars (only for gold bars as internat ionally recognized as medium of payment). 
2. The system applies to goods originatin g in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
It applies to products originating in and coming from all countries. 
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quanti ty or value of imports, and if not, what are 
its purposes?  Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered 
and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The licensing regime is not intended to restrict th e quantity or value of imports.  The purposes of 
utilizing non-automatic import licen sing procedures are necessary for national security; protection of 
human, animal or plant life or health; or protection of environment.  
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensing statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to admini strative discretion?  Is it possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abol ish the system without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
The licensing system is a statutory requirement of Decree No. 180/PM as implemented by relevant 
authorities of the Lao PDR.  The legislation l eaves designation of products to be licensed to 
administrative discretion within principles set-out by Decree No. 180/PM.  The licensing system may be abolished requirement of  legislative approval.   WT/ACC/LAO/25 
 Page 9 
 
 
  III. PROCEDURES 
1. For products under restriction as to the qua ntity or value of import s (whether applicable 
globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally). 
 (a) Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and 
formalities of filing applications for lice nses?  If not, how is it brought to the 
attention of possible importers?  Of g overnments and export promotion bodies of 
exporting countries and their trade representatives?  Is the overall amount published?  The amount allocated to good s from each country?  The maximum 
amount allocated to each importer?  How to request any exceptions or derogations 
from the licensing requirement? 
 (b) How is the size of the quotas determin ed:  on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly 
basis?  Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licenses are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?  In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to a pply for fresh licence on a six-monthly or 
quarterly basis? 
 (c) Are licenses allo tted for certain goods partly or on ly to domestic producers of like 
goods?  What steps are taken to ensure that  licenses allocated are actually used for 
imports?  Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period?  Are 
the names of importers to whom licenses have been allocated made known to governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request?  
If not, for what reason?  (Indicate products to which replies relate) 
 (d) From the time of announcing the openin g of quotas, as indica ted in I above, what 
is the period of time allowed for the su bmission of applications for licenses? 
 (e) What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing 
applications? 
 (f) How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licenses and the 
date of opening of the period of importation? 
 (g) Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ?  
Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?  
If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
 (h) If the demand for licenses cannot be fully  satisfied, on what basis is the allocation 
to applicants made?  First come, first served?  Past performance?  Is there a maximum amount to be alloca ted per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it 
determined?  What provision is made for new importers?  Are applications 
examined simultaneously or on receipt? 
 (i) In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export 
permits are issued by exporting countries, a re import licenses also required?  If so, 
are licenses issued automatically? 
 (j) In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the 
importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries? 
 (k) Are there products for which licenses a re issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market? 
Answer: 
Not applicable. WT/ACC/LAO/25 
Page 10  
 
  2. Where there is no quantitative limit on im portation of a product or on imports from a 
particular country: 
 (a) How far in advance of importation mu st application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the 
port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
 (b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
 (c) Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
licence and/or importation may be made?  If so, explain.  
 (d) Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? 
Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?  
If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative 
organ? 
Answer: 
(a) The applications must be processed within 30 working days. 
(b) Licence cannot be granted immediately on request. 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
(d) Consideration of licence applications is effected by a single administrative body.  
3. Under what circumstances m ay an application for a licence be refused other than failure 
to meet the ordinary criteria?  Are the reas ons for any refusal given to the applicant?  
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to 
what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
Beyond the failure of an applicant to meet sta ndard criteria, a request for import licence may be 
refused by the relevant authority.  The reasons fo r refusal of issuing a licence are provided in writing 
to the applicant.  The applicants have the right to appeal against such a refusal in front of the higher 
authority and/or to seek recourse to the court of  the Lao PDR in accordance with Law No. 7/NA of 
9 November 2005 "On Handling Petition"  to reverse such a refusal.  
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORTERS TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses:  (a) under restrictive licensing systems? 
 (b) under non-restrictive systems? 
 If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation?   
Answer: 
All individuals, entities and organizations are eligib le to apply for a licence as long as they meet the 
specific requirements.  WT/ACC/LAO/25 
 Page 11 
 
 
  V. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR 
LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applicatio ns?  Submit a sample form.  What documents is 
the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
The application for a licence contains general info rmation regarding the applicant (name, address, 
contact details) and product in question (quantity, value, country of origin, point of importation). 
The following documents have to be an nexed to the application for a licence: 
- Copy of valid enterprise registration certif icate or concession certificate (for applicants 
domiciled in Lao PDR); 
- Copy of valid business registration certificate issued by the competent authority of the 
relevant country (for applicants residing outside of Lao PDR); or 
- Copy of Valid ID card or Passport. 
Please see the sample application form in Annex 1. 
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
At the time of actual importation, the import licence must be presented to the customs at the port 
where the entry takes place.  
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative char ge?  If so, what is th e amount of the fee or 
charge? 
Answer: 
Please refer to the Presidential Edict No. 03/PO of 19 November 2008 "On Fees and Services 
Charges"2. 
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requi rement associated with the issue of licenses?  
If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is  refundable, the period of retention and the 
purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment is required in  connection with the issue of licenses. 
VI. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licen ce?  Can the validity of a licence be extended?  
How? 
Answer: 
An import licence is valid for one year and can be extended not exceeding three months. 
                                                      
2 Available for consultation in the WTO Secretariat (in English only). WT/ACC/LAO/25 
Page 12  
 
  2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a po rtion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty for the non-utilization or a portion of a licence. 
3. Are licenses transferable between importers?   If so, are any limitations or conditions 
attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Licenses are not transferable. 
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence? 
 (a) For products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) For products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
There are no other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence. 
VII. OTHER PROCEDU RAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administ rative procedures, ap art from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation. 
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking author ities for goods to be 
imported?  Is a licence required as a condition  to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign 
exchange always available to cover licenses issu ed?  What formalities must be fulfilled for 
obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is provided for goods to be imported as agreed between commercial banks and 
importers. 
 
 
 
    WT/ACC/LAO/25 
 Page 13 
 
 
  ANNEX 1:  SAMPLE APPLICATION FORM FOR IMPORT LICENSING  
 
 
Applicant name:  
Address: 
Contact details:  
APPLICATION FOR IMPORT LICENCE 
     
To:  Director General of the Department of Import and Export 
    Ministry of Industry and Commerce    Subject: Application for an import licence of ............................................  
 
I, on behalf of ….(Name of company).… he reby apply for an import licence to import 
………(Product)…….. from ……(Exporting country)…. through .…(Point of Importation)…. 
 
The details of the products to be imported are as follows:  
 
No. Description Indicative 
quantity Indicative value Total 
1.      
2.      
3.      
 Total    
 
Your positive consideration will be highly appreciated.   
At …………………….., date.......................... 
   
Signature of Applicant 
 
   
 
 
 The following document is required to be attached:   1.  Copy of valid business registration certificate.  
 
 
 
__________