● Lao-owned · Vientiane · 15 years in the Lao market
LICENSE GUIDE
Import & Export Permit in Laos
Who needs it, the listed documents and fees, processing time and legal basis, from the Lao government’s license inventory.
QUICK ANSWER
The Department of Foreign Trade lists a Permit for Import and Export for specific product types, including vehicles, fuel and gas, rough diamonds and timber. The record says complete applications are considered immediately, and within about a day for certain submissions. The listed fee is 10,000 kip. Trading in other goods may need other approvals.
At a Glance
ISSUING AUTHORITY
Department of Foreign Trade
TYPE
Other
LISTED REVIEW TIME
Immediate to 1 day (see note)
LISTED VALIDITY
Not stated
LISTED FIRST-ISSUE FEE
10,000 kip
LISTED RENEWAL FEE
None listed
SOURCE LAST UPDATED
20 Apr 2020
Who Needs This
Businesses importing or exporting the product types the record covers.
Conditions and thresholds
- The record lists vehicles, fuel and gas, rough diamonds and timber.
Documents to Prepare
The government record lists the following for a first application:
- Enterprise Registration Certificate
- Application Form
- Invoice
- Other Related Documents
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 issue | 0 | 10,000 | 0 | 10,000 |
Legal Basis
| Instrument | Number | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Decree on Management of Land Transport Business | 470/GOV | 27 Dec 2019 |
| Notification on the Licensing Procedure of the Import and Export of Planted Timber | 1791/MOIC.DIMEX | 15 Sep 2011 |
| Decision on the Importation and Distribution of Vehicles in the Lao PDR | 0075/MoIC.DIMEX | 13 Jan 2012 |
| Notification on Cancellation of Export License of Rough Diamond (white paper) and Enhancement of Rough Diamond Inspection Committee | 3749/DIMEX.IEMD | 15 Aug 2018 |
| Instruction on the Lao National Single Window to Issue License for Import-export, Transit or Import for Re-Export of Goods under Department of Import and Export | 1753/DIMEX.IEMD | 29 Mar 2019 |
| Notification on the Launch of Lao National Single Window (NSW) for the Import and Export License of Vehicle | 0726/DIMEX.IEMD | 4 Feb 2019 |
| Notification on the Launch of Lao National Single Window (LNSW) for Managing the Import of Vehicle at the International Customs Checkpoints (Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I at Vientiane Capital) | 2790/DIMEX.IEMD | 29 May 2019 |
| Instruction on the Use of the Revised Import and Export License Form | 1535/DIMEX.IEMD | 10 May 2016 |
| Notification on the Launch of Lao National Single Window (LNSW) for Managing the Import of Vehicle at the International Customs Checkpoints (Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I at Vientiane Capital) | 0984/DIMEX.IEMD | 28 Feb 2020 |
| Decision on the Procedure for Import and Distribution of Gas in the Lao PDR | 0238/MoIC.DIM | 2 Feb 2012 |
| Decree on Import and Export of Goods | 114/GOV | 6 Apr 2011 |
| Decree on the Promotion of Plantation for Commercial Products | 247/GOV | 20 Aug 2019 |
| Decision on Import of Timber | 0451/MOIC.DIMEX | 1 Mar 2012 |
| Decision on Import and Export of Rough Diamond | 0224/MoIC.DIM | 8 Feb 2016 |
| Decision on Petroleum Business | 331/PM | 27 Oct 2017 |
| Decision on the Procedures for Import and Distribution of Petroleum in the Lao PDR | 0237/MoIC.DIM | 2 Feb 2012 |
| Notification on the Import and Export of Timbers and Wooden Products | 1904/MOIC.DIMEX | 30 Sep 2011 |
| no | 1860 | 2 Jun 2026 |
AQQOUNT Guidance
Forms are available through the Lao Trade Portal, and the record refers to the Lao National Single Window. Check your product code on the Trade Portal first, because other sector approvals may apply.
The source was last updated on 20 Apr 2020. Confirm the current position with the authority before filing.
See all Wholesale, Retail & Trade licenses, or open the official record: Permit for Import and Export.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the Import & Export Permit in Laos?
The government inventory names the Department of Foreign Trade as the responsible authority.
How long does it take to get a Import & Export Permit in Laos?
The record lists Immediate to 1 day (see note). Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
How much does a Import & Export Permit cost in Laos?
The record lists 10,000 kip for first issue. Confirm the current amount with the authority.
How long is a Import & Export Permit valid?
The record does not state a period, so ask the authority.
Related Guides
Need This License?
AQQOUNT can confirm current requirements with the authority, prepare your file and manage the application.
Last reviewed: November 2026
See also: Laos Business License Directory.