The Department of Mines (“the Department”) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (“MONREC”) has issued a reminder on the renewal of storage licenses for petroleum and petroleum products. All such licenses will expire on 31 December 2025, and license holders must take timely action to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
All petroleum and petroleum product storage licenses issued by the Department will expire on 31 December 2025. In accordance with Rule 119 of the Petroleum Rules, license holders must file their renewal applications for 2026 at least two months before the expiry date to ensure compliance.
The Department will accept renewal applications from 1 November 2025 to 31 December 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline will incur a late fee of 2% of the storage license fee per day, starting from 1 January 2026. Furthermore, under Notification No. 037/2023, dated 31 October 2023, any storage license not renewed within one year of its expiry will be automatically cancelled and removed from the official register.
Applicants must attach the following documents when submitting a renewal application:
Businesses engaged in petroleum storage and distribution should plan ahead to ensure timely submission of renewal applications. Missing the renewal deadline will result in a daily late fee at the prescribed percentage of the storage license fee and could ultimately lead to the loss of the license if it is not renewed within the prescribed period. Companies are advised to prepare the required documents in advance and coordinate early with the Department to avoid disruptions in operations and ensure regulatory compliance.
Department of Mines, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Office No. 19, Nay Pyi Taw.
For inquiries, please contact the Department at Tel: 067-3409376.
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 5 August 2025, the Ministry of Energy (the “Ministry”) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar issued Notification No. 38/2025, introducing the Order on Licensing for the Domestic Distribution and Sale of Biofuels Blended with Petroleum Products (“the Order”). The Order establishes a formal framework for licensing businesses engaged in distributing and selling blended biofuels in Myanmar.
Key Highlights:
Eligible Applicants
Individuals, companies (including foreign companies registered with the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration), and organizations seeking to distribute and sell blended biofuels.
Licensing Process
Licensee Duties
Conclusion
The Order outlines the procedures and requirements for licensing and operating businesses involved in the distribution of biofuels blended with petroleum products. Entities intending to operate this business activity should prepare for both regulatory approvals and ongoing compliance duties.
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 4 July 2025 the Decision No. 21/2025/QĐ-TTg (Decision 21), Regulation on Environmental Criteria and Verification of Investment Projects under the Green Taxonomy, was issued establishing the official framework for classifying investment projects as “green.” Effective from 22 August 2025, this new regulation provides the legal framework for the development of a green finance market – for environmentally sustainable projects.
Decision 21 is a key measure in operationalizing Vietnam’s national strategy on green growth and climate change mitigation. Below are some key points:
1. Environmental criteria for green-classified investment projects
To qualify for “green classification”, a project must comply with applicable environmental licensing procedures (e.g., environmental impact assessment approval, environmental license, or environmental registration, unless exempted) and demonstrate a positive environmental contribution.
45 eligible sectors are listed in Decision 21 which fall within 7 overarching industry groups:
2. Verification of green status
Verification can be upon the request of a project developer which will allow for greater access to green capital and transparency and credibility of lenders.
Verification of a project’s green classification may be issued either by:
The application dossier requirements vary depending on the confirming entity:
3. Post-verification obligations
Within 30 days of receiving verification of green status, the project owner must notify the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for national-level tracking.
Decision 21 is a pivotal step toward aligning Vietnam’s regulatory landscape with global green finance trends. By introducing clear criteria and verification pathways, the framework increases transparency and legal certainty for investors and financial institutions in accessing the green finance market. It is expected to catalyse greater capital flows into sustainable sectors and reinforce Vietnam’s climate and development commitments.
Project owners seeking green classification should begin preparing relevant documentation and monitor further regulatory developments ahead of the effective date later this month.
For more information or assistance in assessing your project’s eligibility under Decision 21, please contact the DFDL Vietnam team.
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.
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of EnQuest’s acquisition of Harbour Energy’s Vietnam business, including a 53.125% interest and operatorship of the Chim Sáo and Dua production fields. This strategic acquisition expands EnQuest’s presence in Southeast Asia and supports its growth in low-capital, fast-payback assets.
DFDL is proud to have acted as Vietnam counsel to EnQuest throughout this transaction. The DFDL team was led by Partners Jerome Buzenet and Phong Anh Hoang, with support from Tu Nguyen, David Fruitman and Minh Anh Tran, providing expert legal guidance from signing through to completion.
On 26 June 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Decision No. 1824/QD-BCT on the electricity price framework for offshore wind power projects in 2025 (Decision 1824), which took immediate effect.
The tariff ceilings for offshore wind power in 2025 has been set at (exclusive of VAT):
(a) Northern region: VND 3,975.1 per kWh;
(b) South Central region: VND 3,078.9 per kWh; and
(c) Southern region: VND 3,868.5 per kWh.
Offshore wind is defined under the 2024 Electricity Law as “turbines built outside the maritime zone of six nautical miles from the shoreline with the lowest mean sea level in multiple years of the mainland towards the sea.”
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 19 March 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (“MONREC”) issued the Procedures for Gemological Laboratories under Section 69(b) of the Myanmar Gemstone Law. These procedures establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to standardize the registration, operation, testing, certification, and oversight of gemological laboratories authorized by the Myanmar Gems Enterprise (“MGE”), aiming to enhance quality assurance, promote research, and support sustainable development in Myanmar’s gemstone industry. These procedures took effect immediately upon publication.
Registration and Licensing Requirements
To legally operate, gemological laboratories must obtain a Registration Certificate from the MGE, valid for up to three years. Applicants must fulfill several prerequisites, including providing adequate laboratory facilities equipped with approved instruments ranging from basic tools like UV lights and microscopes to advanced technologies such as FTIR, Raman Spectrometers, and LA-ICP-MS. Employing qualified personnel is mandatory, including a Laboratory In-Charge with relevant gemological education and experience, alongside credentialed experts and trained staff. Environmental safeguards and compliance with all applicable laws and operational protocols are required.
Applicants submit a detailed registration dossier to the MGE, including laboratory information, staff qualifications, equipment inventories, and operational procedures. Upon meeting all legal and technical standards and paying the registration fee—300,000 Kyats annually or 900,000 Kyats for three years—a Registration Certificate is issued. Laboratories must apply for renewal at least 90 days before expiry, and certificates must be returned if operations cease prematurely.
Laboratory Operations and Testing Protocols
Registered laboratories are responsible for conducting accurate, reliable, and impartial testing, analysis, and certification of gemstones, including rough stones, finished gems, jewelry, and related products. Testing involves a combination of physical inspection and advanced scientific methods. Each test report must comprehensively document details such as laboratory name, report serial number and date, initial gemstone description, weight, clarity grade, dimensions, inclusions, shape or cut, transparency, color, origin, and photographic evidence. Test findings must be strictly based on verified laboratory analyses, excluding unverified or speculative information. Reports are signed by the Laboratory In-Charge, who bears full responsibility for their validity and integrity. Laboratories must maintain thorough records of all procedures—from gemstone acceptance through testing, reporting, and return—in registration books and digital databases.
Transparency and Applicant Rights
Laboratories must clearly inform applicants prior to gemstone submission about available services, fees, expert qualifications, safety measures, report formats, and terms of service. Upon receiving gemstones, laboratories are required to inspect, measure, photograph, and issue receipts to applicants. Test results must be explained thoroughly before returning both gemstones and original certified reports. Applicants may file complaints within specified timeframes if dissatisfied, submitting the originally tested gemstones and reports. Laboratories must address complaints according to established procedures. Laboratories are responsible for establishing such timeframes and procedures.
Compliance and Professional Conduct
All laboratories and personnel must fully comply with relevant laws, MONREC directives, and MGE regulations. Staff, including foreign experts, must act with integrity, maintain impartiality, and continuously develop their gemological expertise to uphold professional standards. Laboratories are also required to observe legal procedures for handling mounted gemstones and implement environmental and safety safeguards.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations of the procedures or related regulations may result in graduated enforcement actions, including written warnings, fines, temporary suspension, or permanent cancellation of the Registration Certificate and laboratory closure. Unauthorized laboratories operating without certification will receive notices to register; failure to comply within 30 days may lead to prohibition of operations by relevant authorities.
Administrative Oversight and Record-Keeping
The MGE manages all aspects of Registration Certificates, including issuance, renewal, suspension, and cancellation, while maintaining detailed records and reporting registered laboratories to MONREC. Certificates must be returned during temporary service suspensions, and replacements for lost or damaged certificates may be obtained subject to fines and Police Clearance Certificate.
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.
Electricity imported from China to Vietnam
On 5 May 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Decision No. 1231/QD-BCT (“Decision 1231”), which took immediate effect.
Decision 1231 sets a tariff ceiling of US 9.3 cents per kWh for electricity imported from China.
Waste-to-Energy Power Plants
On 6 May 2025, the MOIT issued Decision No.1251/QD-BCT (“Decision 1251”), also with immediate effect.
Decision 1251 establishes a tariff ceiling of VND 2,575.18 per kWh (excluding VAT) for electricity generated by waste-to-energy power plants in 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.
On 26 April 2025 the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Decision No. 1198/QD-BCT (“Decision 1198”) with immediate effect.
Decision 1198 prescribes the price tariff ceiling of VND 3,457.02/kWh for electricity produced from pumped storage hydropower plants in 2025.
On 5 February 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (“MONREC”) set service fees for submitting environmental assessment reports and management plans. Under Section 42(b) of the Environmental Conservation Law (“ECL”), MONREC authorizes the Environmental Conservation Department (“Department”) to implement these fees for project proponents in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures (“Procedures”).
Under Section 21 of the ECL and Rules 62 of the Environmental Conservation Rules (“ECR”), any project or project expansion by ministries, government departments, organizations, corporations, local authorities, companies, or individuals that may impact the environment must obtain prior permission. These projects, including field sites, factories, and businesses, must conduct an Initial Environmental Examination (“IEE”), an Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”), or develop an Environmental Management Plan (“EMP”) and obtain an Environmental Compliance Certificate (“ECC”) as per the Procedures.
Environmental assessment reports and management plans must be submitted to the Department in both digital and paper copies, along with the prescribed service fee as required by the Procedures. The newly introduced fees are intended to standardize the submission process and enhance administrative efficiency. Payments must be made to Account No. MD-012207 of the Department under MONREC via the Myanmar Economic Bank in Nay Pyi Taw. The applicable fees are as follows:
| No | Type of Report | Service Fees (Kyats) |
| (a) | Initial Environmental Examination – IEE | 200,000 |
| (b) | Environmental Impact Assessment – EIA | 300,000 |
| (c) | Environmental Management Plan – EMP | 100,000 |
Implications for Project Proponents
Project proponents undertaking projects that require environmental assessments must allocate budgets for the newly established fees as part of their compliance obligations. Adherence to the Procedures remains essential for obtaining environmental approvals. To avoid potential delays in project approvals, project proponents should ensure the timely submission of the prescribed fees along with the required documentation.
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.
Introducing the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) marks a significant step toward Malaysia’s remarkable transition to open grid access and the nation’s aspiration of incorporating 70% renewable energy into its capacity mix by 2050.
CRESS allows corporate consumers to directly source renewable energy from renewable energy developers in line with their sustainable goals, paving the way for a more sustainable electricity market.
This publication discusses the key takeaways from the CRESS town hall organised by the Ministry of Energy Transition & Water Transformation and the Energy Commission of Malaysia earlier this month. It provides a glimpse of the CRESS framework, its participating requirements, and information on battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Don’t miss out on this insightful update on Malaysia’s energy transition. Click on the download button below.
“DFDL has a skilled corporate and M&A group that has particular expertise in the oil and gas and renewables industries. The team regularly advises on joint venture and foreign investment matters in industries such as aviation, infrastructure, manufacturing, power and transportation.” – Legal500 2025
“DFDL Thailand demonstrates particular capabilities in managing cross-border deals across CLMV region. The team leverages its experience across a variety of industries, such as energy, infrastructure and manufacturing, to handle matters for a diverse roster of clients that includes private clients and Thai and international corporations.” – Legal500 2025
“DFDL Myanmar stands out as one of the few international law firms with deep expertise in energy and infrastructure projects in Myanmar. The firm’s in-depth knowledge of local laws, combined with a strong understanding of market standards, ensures seamless compliance and effective navigation through Myanmar’s complex regulatory landscape.” – Legal500 2025
“DFDL’s experienced team is known for its role as legal counsel on renewable energy projects, with particularly strong credentials in Vietnam’s solar space, regularly assisting lenders, developers and sponsors. The firm also handles wind energy projects and has strong project development knowledge, including PPA and EPC contracts.” – Chambers Asia Pacific 2025
