On April 2025, Thailand’s Cabinet made waves by announcing it had approved in principle a proposal to update the Foreign Business Act (FBA) – Thailand’s main legal framework for foreign investments – with the objective to modernize and improve the country’s economic competitiveness. The possibility of a modernization of the FBA, mostly unchanged since its enactment in 1999, has been welcomed favorably by foreign investors, while also raising questions about the extent of the changes it proposes in practice.
In recent years, Thailand has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment. In 2024 the ASEAN-6 economies collectively received approximately USD 225 billion in FDI, an increase of around 10 percent over 2023, with Thailand capturing a growing share of that inflow[1]. In the first four months of 2025, foreign investment into Thailand climbed more than 40% year on year, driven in large part by projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand’s flagship economic zone, including new energy, logistics and advanced manufacturing facilities[2].
Yet, despite Thailand’s attractiveness and impressive momentum, the country can remain complex to access for foreign investors due to various restrictions and limitations under the FBA. This new pathway for Thailand to open further to foreign capital has been met with diverse reactions from stakeholders, that need to be nuanced in light of the actual scope of amendments proposed by the Thai government.
To download a complimentary copy of the FBA Amendment Update, please click on the below button:
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situation.
Amid global trade tensions and shifting supply chains, Southeast Asia continues to attract strong investor interest. In fact, ASEAN recorded US $230 billion in FDI inflows in 2023, its highest ever, despite a global decline in investment, according to the ASEAN Investment Report 2024. While Myanmar has seen FDI inflows contract due to political and economic headwinds, it remains part of long-term regional strategies. Investors are closely monitoring the situation as reforms and developments continue to shape the business and regulatory landscape. For those with the appetite for distressed M&A, Myanmar continues to offer comparatively affordable entry points for long-term strategic investment. To help investors navigate the legal and compliance environment, our latest Legal and Tax Guide on M&A provides essential insights into the regulatory, tax, and transactional frameworks in Myanmar.
To download a complimentary copy of the Myanmar M&A Overview Legal & Tax Guide, please click on the below button:
As Vietnam continues to attract foreign investors, understanding the country’s M&A regulatory landscape is more important than ever. In this timely article, DFDL Partner Jerome Buzenet outlines practical legal and tax guidance to help investors navigate complex transactions and unlock long-term value.
With insights drawn from advising on hundreds of deals, the article explores everything from regulatory pitfalls and due diligence traps to tax structuring and sector-specific risks.
To read the full article, please click the “Download” button below:
On 29 May 2025, the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) issued the 2025 Pilot Project Notification (“Notification”), establishing detailed regulations for the importation and distribution of electric vehicles (EVs) during the period starting from 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 March 2026. This annually issued Notification, updated each year since 2022, aims to support the development of EVs and related businesses in Myanmar. In this alert we have compared the contents of the notification from 2024 and the current Notification for the ease of understanding of the reader.
Same Definition of Battery Electric Vehicles
The Notification defines EVs as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), including electric cars and buses.
Same Mandatory Approvals and Licensing for Importers as 2024
The provisions in this regard remain the same as the notification of 2024. Companies intending to import EVs must
(1) obtain an approval from the National Level Leading Committee on Development of Electric Vehicles and Related Businesses. (2) secure a valid showroom operation license prior to commencing import activities. (3) import in accordance with the specifications and quantity limits prescribed by the National-Level Leading Committee.
Further, importers are still required to ensure the provision of warranty coverage, availability of spare parts, and after-sales service support for the electric vehicles. This Notification seems to replicate the provisions in this regard mentioned in the 2024 notification. Thus, there is still no mention about the timeline within which the central committee would issue its approval for importation of EVs.
Same Requirements for Showroom Operators as 2024
The provisions in this regard also remain unchanged from the 2024 notification. Regarding showroom operators, the Notification states the following:
(1) The company must be registered with the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (“DICA”) as either a wholly Myanmar-owned entity or a joint venture between Myanmar citizens and foreign nationals. (2) The company must hold an official appointment as a distributor or dealer from the foreign parent company or its regional office for each brand of new electric vehicles to be imported. (3) The company must obtain the necessary approvals from the relevant State or Regional Government and a valid business license from the local municipal authority. (4) A valid tax clearance certificate issued by the Internal Revenue Department must be submitted. (5) The selection and operation of showroom locations, buildings, and warehouses must comply with the standards periodically issued by the Ministry of Commerce. (6) The size of the showroom and warehouse must meet the minimum requirements set out in the applicable stipulations. (7) The showroom and warehouse must be located within the same state or region in which the showroom is operated.
Note that the relevant physical and operational standards set out by the MOC and applicable to EV showroom operators also remains unchanged.
Change in Showroom Registration Certificate Renewal
We note that in the previous notification in this regard issued in 2024 included a condition allowing registration certificates for showrooms and business agents to be renewed within 90 days before their expiry date, provided a valid tax clearance certificate was submitted with the application. However, the current Pilot Project Notification omits this condition. The rationale for this omission is unclear.
Same Financial Guarantee Requirements as 2024
Companies engaged in the import and sale of EVs are still required to submit a bank guarantee of 50 million kyats to a bank recognized by the Central Bank of Myanmar.
Conclusion
Overall, the Notification replicates the provisions of the notification of 2024. The only change in 2025 is the removal of the timeline to apply for the renewal of the showroom and business agent registration certificates and the reason for this removal is not patently clear from reading the Notification.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
A.Summary
The draft amendment to the Law on the Organization of the People’s Courts has undergone the 6th draft revision on 10 April 2025 (the “6th draft Amended Law”). It is currently being reviewed by the National Assembly of Vietnam. One of the most notable proposed changes is the reallocation of jurisdiction to set aside foreign court judgments and foreign arbitral awards from the provincial-level People’s Courts to the newly established Regional People’s Courts (in Vietnamese: Tòa án Nhân dân khu vực). This development could have significant procedural and strategic implications for parties involved in cross-border litigation and arbitration in Vietnam.
B.Key Proposed Change
Currently, applications for recognition, enforcement, or for setting aside foreign court judgments and foreign arbitral awards are generally handled by the People’s Courts of the provinces and the centrally run cities (the Code of Civil Procedure 2015, Articles 31.1 and 37.1). However, under the 6th draft Amended Law:
Jurisdiction over the arbitration activities prescribed in Article 7.3 of the Law on Commercial Arbitration, which includes the jurisdiction over requests for setting aside a foreign arbitral award, would be transferred to from People’s Courts of the provinces and the centrally run cities to the newly proposed Regional People’s Courts (Article 2.1).
The Regional People’s Courts are established as a new level of adjudication between the Supreme People’s Court and the provincial-level People’s Courts, with broader authority over complex or significant legal matters, particularly those with cross-border elements (Article 1.11).
C. Implications
The proposed change aims to improve the quality and consistency of judicial decision-making, particularly in the recognition and annulment of foreign arbitral awards—a critical issue for Vietnam’s attractiveness as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction. However, this may result in potential delays or the reallocation of cases, specifically, existing or pending cases filed at provincial courts may face jurisdictional reassessment once the amended law is enacted.
On 7 May 2025, a representative of the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (“VIAC”) submitted an official letter to the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, expressing concerns over the potential impacts of the proposed changes in the 6th draft Amended Law, particularly regarding the decentralization of arbitration oversight in Vietnam. In the letter, VIAC proposed that the authority to supervise arbitration-related activities should remain with the provincial-level People’s Courts.
D. Next Steps
The 6th draft Amended Law is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and adoption at the 9th session. The 9th session started on 5 May 2025 and is expected to conclude no later than 30 June 2025.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
Ship registration in Myanmar is currently governed by the Myanmar Registration of Ships Act, 1841 (“Act”), which has been amended from time to time. Most recently, the Amendment to the Myanmar Registration of Ships Act, 2025 (SAC Law No. 37/2025) (“Amendment”) was enacted on 5 May 2025 by the State Administration Council (“SAC”) under Section 419 of the Constitution. This Amendment will take immediate effect and introduce certain reforms to the ship registration framework, enhancing compliance requirements and clarifying ownership qualifications. The key changes introduced by the Amendment are summarized below.
Terminology and definitions
The Amendment modernizes key terminology to reflect institutional changes: “Ministry of Transport” is now “Ministry” (referring to the Ministry of Transport and Communications), “Magistrate” and “Magistrate of the first class” are replaced with “Court”, and “Department of Marine Administration” is simplified to “Department”. Definitions of terms such as “Myanmar ship”, “Department”, and “Court” have been updated accordingly.
Requirements for Certificate of Registry
Section 1A, introduced by the new Amendment, provides that no ship will be considered registered unless it is registered by the registering officer of a Myanmar port and holds a valid Certificate of Registry. This certificate is a formal legal document that establishes a ship’s registration status and Myanmar nationality. It details the owners’ names and shares, ship specifications, port of registration, and other structural and operational attributes. The Ministry is authorized to prescribe the form, validity, and associated fees of these certificates.
Sworn declaration requirements
Section 5 of the Act has been substituted to require owners to submit a sworn declaration containing detailed particulars, including the ship’s name and tonnage; when and where it was built (or a statement if these are unknown); the owner’s name, citizenship, and ownership shares; the master’s name and citizenship; confirmation that no other person holds any legal or beneficial interest; the operator’s name and citizenship (if different from the owner); and any other prescribed particulars. The registrar may also require satisfactory proof of ownership before proceeding with registration.
Section 5A of the Act remains unchanged under this Amendment. It allows temporary registration of ships that are bareboat chartered by authorized organizations or used for similar purposes, with the approval of the relevant authorities and in line with international practice.
Ownership qualifications
The ownership criteria are set out in the newly inserted Section 5B, which limits ownership of Myanmar-registered ships to:
Citizens of Myanmar, or
Companies or bodies established in Myanmar that are:
Incorporated in Myanmar;
Principally based and managed in Myanmar;
Predominantly owned and controlled by Myanmar citizens both in terms of shareholding and directorship, in the percentages prescribed by the Ministry.
The Ministry may issue further requirements by notification and companies must prepare shareholding documentation as required by the registrar.
Enforcement and penalties
The new Section 5C introduces enforcement provisions. The Department is empowered to take administrative action and impose a fine of up to 10% of the ship’s value for failure to register without reasonable cause. Additionally, any person failing to comply may, upon conviction before a Court, be imprisoned for up to twelve months, and the ship may be confiscated. The Ministry may seize the vessel as state property if ownership cannot be determined.
Conclusion
The Myanmar Registration of Ships Bill, issued in 2016, allows foreign-owned and joint venture ships to be registered as Myanmar ships, subject to certain conditions. Although the Bill can potentially boost Myanmar’s economic development, it has yet to be enacted into law. In the meantime, as noted in the Amendment, several provisions—such as the form, validity, fees for the Certificate of Registry, and ownership thresholds—are to be prescribed by the Ministry through future notifications. Therefore, Stakeholders should remain alert for upcoming issuances and regulatory updates and be prepared to adapt swiftly as the new framework continues to take shape.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
Effective from 25 April 2025, the Supreme Court of the Union has issued a comprehensive notification (Notification No.296/2025) clarifying and expanding the civil jurisdiction and administrative powers of courts and judges in Self-Administered Divisions, Self-Administered Zones, and Districts across Myanmar. This move aligns with Sections 63 and 64 of the Union Judiciary Law and revokes the previous notification (Notification No. 1030/2020) dated 28 December 2020.
Expansion of Jurisdiction
While the previous notification granted only District Courts the authority to decide original civil suits and exercise judicial powers as District Judges under existing laws, the new notification extends these powers to Self-Administered Division Courts, Self-Administered Zone Courts, and District Courts, granting them equivalent authority as District Civil Courts and District Civil Judges.
Jurisdiction Under the Urban Rent Control Act
Previously, only District Judges were authorized to decide petitions under Section 32(1) of the Urban Rent Control Act, 1960. However, the new notification extends this authority to Judges of Self-Administered Divisions and Zones in accordance with Section 64 of the Union Judiciary Law.
New Civil Suit Adjudication Thresholds
Prior to this change, District Judges and Associate District Judges could decide original civil suits up to 3 billion kyats, while Deputy District Judges were limited to 1.5 billion kyats. The new notification raises these thresholds, allowing District Judges, Self-Administered Division Judges, Self-Administered Zone Judges, and Associate District Judges to hear cases up to 5 billion kyats, while Deputy Judges at all levels can decide cases up to 3 billion kyats.
Civil Appeal and Revision Jurisdiction
The rules regarding appeals have been updated. Under the previous notification, District Judges were authorized to hear appeals from Township Courts, while Associate District Judges could hear appeals referred by District Judges. The new notification maintains this arrangement but explicitly includes Self-Administered Division and Self-Administered Zone Judges and extends the authority to Associate District Judges and Deputy Judges to hear civil appeals and revisions transferred by their senior judges.
Case Management Powers
Under both notifications, District Judges could recall cases assigned to other judges and either decide them personally or reassign them to another district-level judge. The new notification extends this authority to the Self-Administered Division and Self-Administered Zone Judges and allows the District, Self-Administered Division, or Self-Administered Zone Judges to delegate authority to another judge within their court if they are temporarily unable to preside.
Furthermore, the authority to transfer cases has also been expanded. While previously limited to District Judges, their associates, and deputies within a district, the new notification now allows case transfers between courts within a Self-Administered Division, Self-Administered Zone, or District by judges at all three levels, including their associates and deputies.
Revocation of Previous Notification
With the implementation of this new notification, Notification No. 1030/2020, issued on 28 December 2020, has been revoked.
This notification constitutes the Supreme Court of the Union’s official conferral of civil jurisdiction and judicial authority to Self-Administered Division Courts, Self-Administered Zone Courts, and District Courts, effective from 25 April 2025.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
Temporary Export License Exemption (Effective 1–30 April 2025)
On 1 April 2025, the Department of Trade (“DOT”) under the Ministry of Commerce temporarily exempted exporters from requiring export licenses due to earthquake-related internet disruptions. During this period, exporters could proceed by submitting export declarations in accordance with standard customs procedures.
Resumption of Export License Requirements (Effective 1 May 2025)
On 26 April 2025, the DOT announced that exporters must resume applying for export licenses through the Myanmar Tradenet 2.0 system starting 1 May 2025. Export licensing will follow the Automatic and Non-Automatic Licensing regimes in accordance with applicable regulations.
Revision of Technology Service Fees (Effective 1 May 2025)
On 22 April 2025, the DOT announced revised technology service fees for trade-related digital platforms, effective 1 May 2025. The updated rates for each transaction using these systems are:
Platform
Current Fee (MMK)
Revised Fee (MMK)
Myanmar Tradenet 2.0
500
1,000
Online CO Application
500
1,000
Vehicle Monitoring System
100
600
eComReg System
600
1,000
Businesses are advised to promptly review their export procedures and budgetary plans to ensure compliance with the reinstated licensing requirements and the revised technology service fees. Early preparation will help avoid disruptions and maintain smooth export operations.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
On 15 April 2025, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Decision No. 768/QD-TTg, approving the revised National Power Development Plan for the period 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050 (“Adjusted PDP 8”). This decision takes effect immediately upon issuance and replaces Decision No. 500/QD-TTg, dated 15 May 2023, which previously approved the national power development plan for the same period (“PDP 8”).
The Adjusted PDP8 identifies the total power capacity to meet domestic demand. Excluding exports, the projected capacity is adjusted to 183,291 – 236,363 MW by 2030, representing an increase of approximately 27,747 – 80,819 MW from 2023’s PDP 8. This increase primarily results from renewable energy sources and battery energy storage solutions (BESS).
Details of the power capacity targets of each power source in the Adjusted PDP8, compared to the PDP 8 is presented below.
Installed Capacity by Power Source Through 2030
No.
Types of Power Sources
PDP 8 (MW)
Adjusted PDP 8 (MW)
1.
The total capacity of power plants serving domestic demand
150,489 (excluding power export projects and existing rooftop solar power)
183,291-236,363 (excluding power export projects)
2.
Onshore and nearshore wind power
21,880
26,066-38,029
3.
Offshore wind power
6,000
6,000 – 17,032 (put into operation during the 2030–2035 period, which may be accelerated if conditions are favorable)
4.
Ground-mounted and rooftop solar power
12,836 (excluding existing rooftop solar power)
46,459-73,416 (excluding power sources that have no impact or minimal impact on the national power system)
5.
Biomass power, waste-to-energy, geothermal power and other new energy
2,270 (excluding geothermal power and other new energy)
Biomass power: 1,523-2,699 Waste-to-energy power: 1,441-2,137 Geothermal power and other new energy: 45
6.
Hydropower
29,346
33,294-34,667
7.
Pumped storage hydropower
2,400
2,400-6,000
8.
Storage batteries/ Storage sources
300
10,000-16,300
9.
Cogeneration, waste heat, blast furnace gas, and by-products from technological processes
2,700
_
10.
Coal-fired thermal power
30,127
31,055
11.
Domestic gas-fired thermal power
14,930
10,861-14,930
12.
LNG thermal power
22,400
22,524
13.
Flexible power sources
300
2,000-3,000
14.
Imported electricity
5,000-8,000
9,360-12,100
15.
Nuclear Power
_
4,000-6,400 (commissioned from 2030 – 2035)
The above content represents our preliminary update on the Adjusted PDP8. A comprehensive analysis will be provided in our forthcoming legal update.
The information provided is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
On 7 February 2025, the Union Government, under the State Administration Council (“SAC”), issued a notification regarding the reconstitution of the Myanmar Competition Commission (“MCC”) under Section 5(a) of the Competition Law. Originally established in 2018 to oversee competition-related matters in Myanmar’s business environment, the MCC has undergone several reforms. This time, the MCC has been re-formed with the following members:
(a)
Union Minister, Ministry of Commerce
Chairman
(b)
U Than Maung, Legal Scholar
Vice-chairman
(c)
Director-General, Legislative Vetting Department, Ministry of Legal Affairs
Member
(d)
Director General, Directorate of Industrial Supervision and Inspection, Ministry of Industry
Member
(e)
Director General, Intellectual Property Department, Ministry of Commerce
Member
(f)
Deputy Director General, Department of Post and Telecommunication, Ministry of Transport and Communications
Member
(g)
Deputy Director General, Bureau of Special Investigation, Ministry of Home Affairs
Member
(h)
Deputy Director General, Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce
Member
(i)
Dr. Thu Ta, Aung Economist
Member
(j)
Daw Aye Aye Thein, Legal Scholar
Member
(k)
U Nyan Naing Win, Legal Scholar
Member
(l)
U Zeya Thuramon, Central Executive Officer, UMFCCI
Member
(m)
Director General, Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce
Secretary
The Commission’s duties and powers are outlined in the Competition Law. This notification will take effect on 1 October 2024 and replaces Notification No. 290/2021 (dated 30 September 2021) and Notification No. 128/2022 (dated 5 August 2022), both issued by the SAC.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
Introduction
On 18 February 2025, the State Administration Council (“SAC“) enacted the Private Security Service Law (“Law“) under Section 419 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Law establishes a regulatory framework for private security service companies and businesses employing private security servants, including licensing and permit requirements, compliance obligations, dispute resolution mechanisms, and penalties for violations. It applies to private security services across various sectors, including offices, factories, hotels, banks, schools, hospitals, transport facilities, public events, and religious sites. Before enacting the Law, Myanmar’s private security sector operated without a unified legal framework.
Regulatory Oversight
The Central Committee, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for policy, licensing, and enforcement. Supervisory Committees at the regional and state levels handle applications, compliance monitoring, and enforcement actions.
Licensing and Permits
The Law establishes two categories of regulatory approval: License and Permit.
License: According to the Law, a license is required for private security service companies for a fee, including private security training courses. The license applicant must be a company registered under the Myanmar Companies Law or eligible for registration under the Myanmar Companies Law if it is a foreign company. The applicant must not be a company known for undermining security and the rules of Law in the Union. Additionally, the applicant must deposit a minimum of 100 million kyats as a business guarantee at the Myanma Economic Bank.
The equivalent amount in foreign currency must be deposited as a fixed deposit for foreign companies. The applicant must also submit the required data and documents to the relevant supervisory committee per Section 9 of the Law. Foreign companies are further required to specify the country where their head office is located and meet the criteria set out in Section 9 to apply for a license.
Permit: The permit is required for businesses appointing more than 10 private security servants for in-house security operations not related to private security services. The applicant must apply for a permit to the relevant supervisory committee as Section 21 of the Law prescribes. The supervisory committee will analyze the permit applications according to the requirements and submit them to the Central Committee with remarks. The Central Committee will then review the reports and may either grant or refuse the permit. Upon approval by the Central Committee and payment of the fixed service fee, the supervisory committee will issue the permit to the applicant.
Responsibilities of License and Permit Holders
License Holders: License holders for private security companies must comply with license conditions, regulations, and directives. They must appoint private security servantsmeeting the prescribed qualifications, including age, health, criminal clearance, and labour registration. Appointed private security servants must undergo approved training courses.
Additional requirements for foreign nationals include compliance with the Myanmar Ministry of Labor’s standards, a clear criminal record from the relevant country, and confirmation of not being part of foreign armed forces.
License holders must maintain staff records, report staff numbers or office location changes, and immediately notify authorities of staff legal violations. Acquiring security technology or equipment from international organizations requires prior approval.
A foreign license holder must employ at least 75% of Myanmar citizens as private security servants. License holders may offer security services under client agreements but must comply with Central Committee regulations for purchasing and using communication and security equipment. They must also ensure private security servants wear approved uniforms, badges, and rank insignia during duty hours.
The curriculum and other details must be submitted for approval to the Central Committee before opening a training course for private security services. Training instructors must have at least five years of experience, certifications, and sufficient qualifications for relevant subjects. Successful trainees will receive a completion certificate.
When providing security services, the license holder must adhere to regulations for carrying arms and ammunition, subject to Central Committee approval and compliance with the Arms Law.
Permit Holders: Permit holders for businesses employing more than 10 private security servants must appoint private security servants who meet the prescribed qualifications and ensure they undergo approved private security service training. Any increase or reduction in staff numbers must be reported to the relevant supervisory committee. Staff must wear the approved uniform, badge, and rank insignia during duty hours, and the permit must be visibly displayed at the workplace.
The permit holder must systematically maintain each security staff member’s personal data and duty records, prescribe measures for staff breaches of regulations, and report the location and number of deployed staff to the supervisory committee. All regulations set by the Central Committee must be followed.
To continue to appoint more than 10 private security servants, the permit holder must apply for an extension at least three months before the permit expires. If the permit is not renewed, it will be deemed revoked on the expiration date, but re-application is allowed.
Responsibilities of Private Security Servants
Private security servants must perform their duties only within the designated duty areas assigned by the relevant private security service companies, private industry, or branches. During duty hours, they must wear the prescribed uniform, badge, and rank insignia. They must also carry security-related equipment provided by the license holders while performing private security services.
In certain situations, private security servants may carry arms and ammunition provided by the license holders per the Arms Law, arms policy, and existing laws. Following the Code of Criminal Procedure, they are authorized to arrest offenders committing crimes within their duty areas, buildings, or compounds. They must report and hand over the offenders to the nearest police station.
Under the provisions of the Penal Code, private security servants have the right to defend themselves against any person or materials posing harm to them. If they become aware of any information affecting State security or the rule of Law during their duties, they must report it to the nearest police station.
However, private security servants appointed by permit holders are not authorized to carry arms, ammunition, or other security-related equipment as specified in the above clauses.
License and Permit Renewal
Licenses and permits are valid for three years from the date of issuance. To renew, applicants must submit a renewal application at least three months before expiration. Failure to renew within the prescribed timeline will automatically cancel or revoke the license or permit. A duplicate license or permit can be applied for at the relevant supervisory committee in case of loss or damage.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes between a license holder and a service client must first be resolved through negotiation. If the negotiation fails, the dispute shall be settled per the terms of the contract between the parties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations of the Law may result in administrative penalties, fines, or imprisonment, including:
Violation
Penalty
Operate without a license
1-3 years imprisonment and fines up to 300 million kyats
Purchase, sell, or possess security-related equipment without Central Committee approval
1-3 years imprisonment and fines up to 300 million kyats
Sell, rent, pawn, or transfer private security service business, training, or license
1-3 years imprisonment and fines up to 300 million kyats
Operate without a permit
Up to 1 year imprisonment and fines up to 50 million kyats
Deploy private security staff or sell, rent, pawn, or transfer the permit
Up to 1 year imprisonment and fines up to 50 million kyats
Provide false information in license applications and engage in false advertising
Up to 2 years imprisonment and fines up to 100 million kyats
Set up a private security training service in a dense urban area
Up to 2 years imprisonment and fines up to 100 million kyats
Rent or transfer equipment, disclose client information, falsify government materials, impersonate authorities, refuse cooperation with authorities, or misuse prohibited gear by license holders
Up to 2 years imprisonment and fines up to 100 million kyats
Neglect reporting, impersonate officials, misuse gear, or disclose client information by private security servants
Up to 2 years imprisonment and fines up to 300,000 kyats
The relevant supervisory committee has the authority to revoke licenses and permits, impose fines, and blacklist non-compliant businesses. Appeals against penalties must be submitted within 60 days.
Conclusion
The Private Security Service Law of 2025 sets clear regulatory requirements for license and permit holders, including strict licensing, compliance, and renewal processes with penalties for non-compliance. Notably, existing service providers operating before the Law’s enactment must review their compliance status and apply for the required license or permit within the six-month transition period to avoid penalties.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
On 28 February 2025, the Intellectual Property Agency, in the exercise of its powers under Section 101 (d) of the Copyright Law, and with the consent of the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”), issued a notification regarding the determination of fees for the establishment and renewal of collective management organizations (“CMOs”) for copyright or related rights.
Previously, the MOC issued the “Regulations on the Establishment of a Collective Management Organization for Copyright or Related Rights.“ With the new notification, specific fees have now been established. We have already written an insight on that regulation, which you can review here.
Determination of Fees
Pursuant to Section 8 (i) of the Copyright Law, and with the approval of the Union Government through the Central Committee on Copyright, the applicable fees for applications related to CMOs are as follows:
Type of Service
Fee (Kyat)
Application to form a CMO for copyright or related rights (CMO-1)
800,000
Application for renewal of CMO for copyright or related rights (CMO-2)
800,000
These fees are subject to periodic review and adjustment as determined by the relevant authorities. For further inquiries regarding the application process, compliance requirements, or regulatory obligations under the Copyright Law, please contact us.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
Introduction
On 17 February 2025, the State Administration Council (“SAC“) enacted the Law Amending the Court Fees Act (“Amendment Act“) under Section 419 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Amendment Act will take effect on 1 April 2025.
This Amendment Act updates the fees for AD VALOREM (based on the value of the dispute or property) as outlined in Schedule I of the Court Fees Act. The updates affect fees mentioned in Serials 1, 11, and 12 of Schedule I, which cover civil court filings, probate and letters of administration, and succession certificates.
1.Civil Court Filings
The Amendment Act introduces a revised fee structure for disputes based on their monetary value in civil court filings such as filing a suit, counterclaim, appeal, or cross-objection in a Civil Court or Revenue authority (except as specified in section 3 of the Act) under Serial 1 of Schedule I. Unlike the original Act, which only referenced fees concerning the amount in dispute, the amended provisions now establish a tiered fee system with fixed rates for higher-value cases. Furthermore, the maximum fee for filings or appeals has been increased from 500,000 Kyats to 3,000,000 Kyats. Please see the updated fee structure below:
Dispute Amount
Fee Structure
Up to 100,000,000 Kyats
Ad valorem 0.5% of the disputed amount
Over 100,000,000 Kyats up to 1,000,000,000 Kyats
Fixed fee of 1,000,000 Kyats
Over 1,000,000,000 Kyats up to 3,000,000,000 Kyats
Fixed fee of 1,500,000 Kyats
Exceeding 3,000,000,000 Kyats
Fixed fee of 3,000,000 Kyats
Maximum fee for filings and appeals
Increased from 500,000 Kyats to 3,000,000 Kyats
2.Probate or Letters of Administration (with or without Will)
Additionally, it revises the fee structure for applications or appeals regarding the probate of a will or letters of administration under Serial 11 of Schedule I. The maximum fee for such applications or appeals has been increased from 500,000 Kyats to 3,000,000 Kyats. While the rest of the fees remain unchanged, they are provided here for your reference.
Property Value Range
Fee Structure
Between 100,000 Kyats and 1,000,000 Kyats
Ad valorem 5% of the property’s value
Between 1,000,000 Kyats and 10,000,000 Kyats
Ad valorem 6% of the property’s value
Exceeding 10,000,000 Kyats
Ad valorem 7% of the property’s value
Maximum fee for applications or appeals
Increased from 500,000 Kyats to 3,000,000 Kyats (Amended)
3.Succession Certificates
It also amends the fee structure for applications or appeals regarding succession certificates under Serial 12 of Schedule I. The maximum fee has been increased from 500,000 Kyats to 3,000,000 Kyats. The rest of the fees remain unchanged but are provided here for your reference.
Description
Fee Structure
For listed debts or securities
Ad valorem of 5% of the amount or value
For additional debts or securities added later
Ad valorem of 7% of the amount or value
Maximum fee for applications or appeals
Increased from 500,000 Kyats to 3,000,000 Kyats (Amended)
Conclusion
In conclusion, these changes introduce revised fee structures for civil court filings, probate, and succession matters, including tiered fees for higher-value disputes and increased maximum fees for filings or appeals. All parties involved in such proceedings need to be aware of these changes to ensure compliance with the updated fee structure.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law 2025 introduces a comprehensive legal framework for cybersecurity governance, critical infrastructure protection, and digital platform regulation. It establishes regulatory oversight, licensing requirements, and enforcement mechanisms to combat cyber threats and ensure compliance.
The authors have prepared this publication to provide key insights of this new legislation to the readers. Key features discussed in this publication include:
Mandatory licensing for cybersecurity service providers and digital platforms, with penalties for non-compliance.
Data privacy obligations, including mandatory retention periods and potential government access to user data.
Regulatory authority to suspend or control digital platforms in the interest of national security or public order.
Understanding these changes is essential for businesses operating in Myanmar’s digital landscape. At DFDL, we are closely monitoring these developments and are keen to hear from readers who may have any questions on how this law may impact their operations.
While the financial, operational and strategic aspects of M&A are often the primary focus of the parties to corporate transactions, the role of intellectual property and information technology considerations in these transactions will become pivotal in the Gen-AI era. In this article, Simon Burlinson, Senior Consultant at DFDL Phnom Penh, Cambodia, highlights the critical IP/IT factors that business and legal professionals must consider during M&A transactions.
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The Government recently issued Decree No. 175/2024/ND-CP (Decree 175), detailing several provisions and enforcement measures of the Law on Construction regarding the management of construction activities, which took effective on December 30, 2024 and replaces Decree No. 15/2021/ND-CP dated March 3, 2021 (“Decree 15”) and Decree No. 53/2017/ND-CP dated May 8, 2017 of the Government.
We set out below the notable changes under Decree 175 with respect to the management of construction activities.
Decree 175 clearly lists out the types of planning and equivalent legal documents that serve as the basis for the formulation of the construction investment feasibility study report (“FS Report“) and the construction investment economic-technical report (“Eco-Tech Report“). This provides the owners of the construction investment projects with a clear legal ground to prepare their FS Reports and Eco-Tech Reports. Such types of planning and equivalent legal documents also serve as the basis for the construction authorities to consider the construction permit application dossier and issue the construction permit.
Decree 175 now expands the type of construction investment projects that only need an Eco-Tech Report without having to formulate an FS Report (e.g. increasing the total investment capital of the project from VND 15 billion to 20 billion, increasing construction costs from VND 5 billion to 10 billion for projects whose main content is procurement of goods, provision of services, installation of equipment or repair and renovation projects that do not affect to the load-bearing safety of the project, adding Group C projects for maintenance and repair purposes, adding projects to dredge and maintain public navigation channels and inland waterways).
Under Decree 175, local authorities (such as the provincial Department of Construction where the project is located, the “DOC”) will take primary responsibility for appraising the FS Report, appraising the construction design after the basic design (typically the technical design), and approving the results of final acceptance of the construction works.
Decree 175 narrows down the definition of large-scale construction investment projects using other capital, which is subject to the appraisal of the FS Report by a specialized construction agency (the “Large-scale Projects”). Notably, housing and urban area construction investment projects which are subject to an investment policy approval according to the Law on Investment are no longer Large-scale Projects.
Decree 175 increases the term of a new construction practicing certificate (i.e., the certificate granted to individuals who are Vietnamese citizens, Vietnamese residing abroad, and foreigners to legally engage in construction activities in Vietnam) from 5 years to 10 years. Regarding construction practicing certificates of foreigners, the term is determined according to the term stated in the work permit or the temporary residence card issued by the competent authority but not exceeding 10 years.
Key changes in the administrative procedure, including:
Regarding management of construction activity capacity, the local DOC now has the authority to issue Class I construction practicing certificates if delegated by the provincial People’s Committee.
Regarding the construction operation license of foreign contractor, the application dossier no longer includes project approval decision or investment decision or project investment certificate.
While under Decree 15, the Government encourages the application of building information modeling (BIM) in construction activities, Decree 175 mandates the application of BIM to new construction works of level II or higher of Group B projects.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.