In some cases, the dutiable value is taken to be tarifff value set by the government or the wholesale price of similar goods in the Myanmar market at the time. Provisions have been made in the Foreign Investment Law to exempt or relief duties for imports of machinery equipment, instruments, machinery components, spare parts and materials imported for construction purposes. Similar exemptions are also given for raw materials imported in the first three years of commercial production following the completion of construction. Import duties are payable in Myanmar kyats at the official rate of exchange. Articles subject to ad valorem duties are based on the cif value of the goods at the port of entry.
Most imports are subject to a sales tax levied on duty-paid value.
Goods are classified for sales tax purposes as luxury, standard, or privilaged. A commodity and service tax is levied on the c.i.f value of some goods, including all textile and apparel products. Rates range from 5 percent to 60 percent. The Myanmar government ended its monopoly on foreign trade in October 1988 and required all importers to be registered with the Ministry of Trade. Joint-venture corporations, limited companies, cooperative societies, private firms and individuals are eligible for registration as importers, which involves the disclosure of full particulars of the company, including financial standing and the kind of trade and goods involved.