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Factory Operation Certificate in Laos

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Factory Operation Certificate in Laos

Who needs it, the listed documents and fees, processing time and legal basis, from the Lao government’s license inventory.
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A factory in Laos must obtain a Factory Operation Certificate from the industry sector before permanent production begins. The factory must meet standards and be able to run a production test first. The record lists a 36-month validity and a fee based on horsepower. Documents include an environmental certificate, construction permit and machinery list.

At a Glance

ISSUING AUTHORITY
Department of Industry
TYPE
Certificate
LISTED REVIEW TIME
5 days
LISTED VALIDITY
3 years
LISTED FIRST-ISSUE FEE
See fee note
LISTED RENEWAL FEE
None listed
SOURCE LAST UPDATED
20 Nov 2020

Who Needs This

Those who operate factories.

Conditions and thresholds

  • The factory must meet the required conditions and standards.
  • It must be able to run a trial production before applying.

Documents to Prepare

The government record lists the following for a first application:

  • List of the machines in the factory
  • Application Form
  • Power of Attorney
  • Manufacturing Plan
  • Annual Operation Plan of the Factory
  • Construction Layout
  • Photo (3×4)
  • Copy of Enterprise Registration Certificate
  • Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
  • Construction Permit
  • Certificate of Installation of Waste Management System
  • Land Lease Agreement
  • Quality Certificate of Products

The authority may ask for more, and foreign documents may need translation or notarization.

Fees and Timing

Service (kip)Certificate (kip)Application (kip)Total (kip)
First issue0000
Renewal0000

The record says the fee depends on horsepower under Ordinance 003/PO, so the listed zero is not the actual cost.

The authority must flag incorrect documents within 5 days. Listed time: 5 days.

NED now cites Ordinance 002/PO (2021) for registration fees, so confirm the current amount here too.

Legal Basis

InstrumentNumberDate
Law on Handicraft02/NA25 Jul 2008
Industrial Processing Law (Amended)48/NA27 Dec 2013
Presidential Ordinance on Fees and Service Fees003/PO26 Dec 2012
Decision on Factory0166/MOIC9 Feb 2023
Legal instrument (title not given in the record)01679 Feb 2023

AQQOUNT Guidance

Treat this as a late step. It depends on environmental and construction documents obtained earlier in the project, so build those into your timeline.

The source was last updated on 20 Nov 2020. Confirm the current position with the authority before filing.

See all Manufacturing licenses, or open the official record: Factory Operation Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues the Factory Operation Certificate in Laos?
The government inventory names the Department of Industry as the responsible authority.
How long does it take to get a Factory Operation Certificate in Laos?
The record lists 5 days. The authority must flag incorrect documents within 5 days. Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
How much does a Factory Operation Certificate cost in Laos?
The record does not give one fixed total. The record says the fee depends on horsepower under Ordinance 003/PO, so the listed zero is not the actual cost. Confirm the current amount with the authority.
How long is a Factory Operation Certificate valid?
The record lists a validity of 3 years.

Related Guides

01Environmental Compliance Certificate in Laos
Related requirements and next steps.
02Manufacturing Licenses in Laos
Related requirements and next steps.
03Manufacturing Licenses
See all related formalities.

Need This License?

AQQOUNT can confirm current requirements with the authority, prepare your file and manage the application.
Talk to an Advisor
Last reviewed: November 2026
Official sources:

See also: Laos Business License Directory.