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.