Box Shipping - Import Regulations in Laos

Import Regulations in Laos

A foreign citizen may import household goods and personal effects into Laos duty free, if he/she has diplomatic status or works for a registered foreign company. In this case he/she should provide a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying his/her diplomatic status; or if a non-diplomat, obtains a valid Laos work permit. For non-diplomats copies of the employer’s investment license and business license will also be required. Only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free, and the shipper can only import one each of any electrical appliance duty free.

The foreigners, who do not meet the above criteria, may import household goods and personal effects into Laos but they will be subject to duty. Its amount varies and is often subject to negotiation with the customs department.

Though the shipper does not have to be physically present at the port or airport during customs clearance, the original passport and original work permit (or diplomatic certificate) must be presented to the Lao authorities at the time of clearance. Thereby, he/she must be in Laos for the shipment to clear through customs.

The prohibited items are as follows: firearms; ammunition; pornographic material; reactionary publications.