The Ministry of Commerce (“the MOC”) under the State Administration Council (“the SAC”) has issued updated 2025 Regulations for Organizing International and Domestic Trade Fairs and Exhibitions. These regulations set forth comprehensive requirements for organizer registration, security measures, event procedures, Open General License (“OGL”) applications, and importation rules related to trade fairs and exhibitions.
Overview of Main Provisions
Organizer Registration: Companies registered under the Myanmar Companies Law (2017), or Special Companies Act (1950) may apply to register as trade fair/exhibition organizers with the MOC. Registration is valid for three years and renewable upon timely application.
Event Scope: The regulations apply to both domestic and international trade fairs/exhibitions, involving government bodies, local and foreign entities, cooperatives, associations, international organizations, and embassies collaborating with registered local organizers.
Participation Eligibility: Domestic and foreign companies, business associations, and entrepreneurs may participate as exhibitors upon completing online registration and payment of prescribed fees.
Eligible Exhibits: Only legally importable goods not restricted or prohibited under Myanmar’s Export and Import Law are permitted. Prior ministry approvals are required for restricted items.
Import and Export Procedures: Exhibited goods temporarily imported for fairs may use OGLs to streamline customs processes, with mandatory re-export after events. Selling or gifting exhibited goods requires prior approval.
Reporting Obligations: Organizers must submit post-event reports including sales data, tax payments, and promotional outcomes to the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization.
Compliance and Enforcement: All participants must adhere strictly to these regulations, with violations subject to legal consequences. The MOC retains discretion to resolve exceptional cases.
Implications
These updated regulations reinforce Myanmar’s commitment to transparency and market development amid its economic transition. Businesses engaged in trade fairs/exhibitions should ensure compliance with registration, import-export, and reporting requirements to avoid penalties and leverage opportunities for market expansion and export promotion.
We recommend clients planning to organize or participate in trade fairs/exhibitions to review these regulations closely and coordinate with the MOC and relevant authorities accordingly.
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.
