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Laos

JVK Indochina Movers (Laos) Ltd.
Unit 10, Ban Xiengda,
Dongkhamxang Road, Xaysettha District
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel:  856-21-313505
Fax:  856-21-312376
E-mail: Please contact branch through the Contact Us page

LAOS
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Diplomats:

Diplomats importing household goods to Lao P.D.R do not need to be present for customs clearance.  The clearance will take approximately 1-2 working days after receiving the necessary import permits. Documents required for duty-free clearance are:

  • Express Released Bill of Lading &/or AWB
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of packing list
  • Visa, ID card or Work permit.
  • Import permit from Protocol Department.

Foreigners:

Foreigners who do not have diplomatic status are not exempt from the payment of duties, taxes and VAT. Documents required for clearance are:

  • Express Released Bill of Lading &/or AWB
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of packing list
  • Visa, ID card, or work permit
  • Company tax license
  • Proforma invoice with declared value for customs purpose (JVK customs broker will draft it after receiving the packing list , and will send to customer for signature and company stamp)

Duties are approximately 10% of the declared customs value (indicated on the proforma) plus 10% VAT. Please be advised that this is just a guideline. The exact amount of duties payable will be determined by customs during clearance.

Returning Citizens of Laos:

Returning citizens do not need to be present during customs clearance process. They cannot import their goods duty free and the customs clearance take approximately 1-2 working days.  Document needed for clearance are:

  • Express Released Bill of Lading &/or AWB
  • Copy of packing list
  • Copy passport
  • Visa  or Laos family register book
  • Proforma invoice with declared value for customs purpose (JVK customs broker will draft it after receiving the packing list, and will send to customer for signature and company stamp)

Duties are approximately 10% of the declared customs value (indicated on the proforma) plus 10% VAT. Please be advised that this is just a guideline. The exact amount of duties payable will be determined by customs during clearance.

Sea shipments must only be sent to port of entry Laem Chabang in Thailand. As sea shipments first enter Thailand before being transported in-bond to Laos, please ensure that these instructions are clearly printed on the bill of lading:

“In-transit to Vientiane, Laos via Bangkok, Thailand.”

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

Goods prohibited from entering Laos include:

  • Firearms
  • Ammunition
  • Pornographic material
  • Reactionary publications.
  • Narcotics
  • Toxic Material
  • Radioactive Material
  • Statues of Buddha, God or Religious Deity
  • Statues of Buddha parts (Example, Buddha head, palm, feet)

MOTOR VEHICLES (AUTOS AND MOTORBIKES)

  • Only a foreign diplomat may import a vehicle into Laos duty free. He or she must obtain a letter from the Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying his/her status and requesting that Laos Customs permit duty free import.
  • For all other foreigners and returning Lao nationals, it is almost impossible to import a vehicle into Laos. The procedures for a non-diplomat to import a vehicle are time consuming and tedious. The duty assessed can be as high as 150% of the new purchase value of the vehicle.

ANIMALS AND PETS

  • Most pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, can be brought into Laos with no quarantine period. The documents necessary at the time of import are a current health certificate (not more than 7 days old) and a current vaccination card.

CONSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Please contact the JVK office for consignment instructions.

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, JVK International Movers cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.


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