Lao P.D.R.

2021 Trade facilitation score of 63.44%
Transparency: 93.33%; Formalities: 66.67%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 55.56%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 38.89%.

2019 Trade facilitation score of 58.06%
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 66.67%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 48.15%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

2017 Trade facilitation score of 53.76%
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 62.5%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 48.15%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 16.67%.

2015 Trade facilitation score of 50.54%
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 54.17%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 44.44%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 16.67%.

# Measure Survey 2015 Survey 2017 Survey 2019 Survey 2021 Change**
1 National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar body* Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented
2 Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented
3 Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Fully implemented
4 Advance publication/notification of new trade-related regulations before their implementation* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Fully implemented
5 Advance ruling on tariff classification and origin of imported goods* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
6 Risk management Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
7 Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented
8 Post-clearance audits* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
9 Independent appeal mechanism Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented
10 Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
11 Establishment and publication of average release times Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
12 TF measures for authorized operators* Not implemented Not implemented Planning stage Planning stage
13 Expedited shipments Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
14 Acceptance of copies of original supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities* Not implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
15 Automated Customs System* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
16 Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
17 Electronic Single Window System Not implemented Planning stage Planning stage Planning stage
18 Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
19 Electronic application and issuance of import and export permit* Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
20 Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests Not available Not available Not available Not available
21 Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
22 Electronic application and issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented Partially implemented
23 E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
24 Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
25 Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
26 Recognised certification authority Planning stage Planning stage Planning stage Planning stage
27 Electronic exchange of Customs Declaration* Not implemented Not implemented Planning stage Planning stage
28 Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Not implemented Not implemented Planning stage Partially implemented
29 Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Not implemented Not implemented Planning stage Planning stage
30 Paperless collection of payment from a documentary letter of credit* Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
31 National legislative framework and/or institutional arrangements for border agencies cooperation* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
32 Government agencies delegating border controls to Customs authorities* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
33 Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Fully implemented
34 Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Fully implemented
35 Transit facilitation agreement(s)* Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
36 Limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Partially implemented Partially implemented Fully implemented Fully implemented
37 Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
38 Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented Partially implemented
39 Trade-related information measures for SMEs* Not available Not implemented Planning stage Partially implemented
40 SMEs in AEO scheme* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
41 SMEs access Single Window* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
42 SMEs in National Trade Facilitation Committee* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
43 Other special measures for SMEs Not available Not available Not implemented Not implemented
44 Testing and laboratory facilities available to meet SPS of main trading partners* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
45 National standards and accreditation bodies to facilitate compliance with SPS* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
46 Electronic application and issuance of SPS certificates* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Not implemented
47 Special treatment for perishable goods Not available Not available Planning stage Planning stage
48 TF policy/strategy to increase women’s participation in trade* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Partially implemented
49 TF measures to benefit women involved in trade* Not available Not implemented Not implemented Partially implemented
50 Women membership in the National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar bodies* Not available Not available Do not know Partially implemented
51 Single window facilitates traders access to finance* Not available Not available Do not know Do not know
52 Authorities engaged in blockchain-based supply chain project covering trade finance* Not available Not available Do not know Do not know
53 Variety of trade finance services available Not available Not available Do not know Do not know
54 Agency in place to manage TF in times of crises and emergencies* Not available Not available Not available Partially implemented
55 Online publication of emergency TF measures* Not available Not available Not available Partially implemented
56 Coordination between countries on emergency TF measures* Not available Not available Not available Planning stage
57 Additional trade facilitation measures to facilitate trade in times of emergencies* Not available Not available Not available Planning stage
58 Plan in place to facilitate trade during future crises* Not available Not available Not available Fully implemented

*) This measure was not included or contained different wording in one or more previous surveys. Click on the asterisk behind the respective measure for more information.
**) Comparing results of the 2019 and 2021 surveys.
++) Additional data

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Major
Ladder

Trade facilitation score of 63.44% (2021)
Transparency: 93.33%; Formalities: 66.67%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 55.56%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 38.89%.

General Trade Facilitation Measures

National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar body Fully implemented
Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Fully implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Fully implemented
Advance publication/notification of new trade-related regulations before their implementation Fully implemented
Advance ruling on tariff classification and origin of imported goods Partially implemented
Risk management Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented
Post-clearance audits Partially implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Partially implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Partially implemented
TF measures for authorized operators Planning stage
Expedited shipments Partially implemented
Acceptance of copies of original supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Paperless Trade Facilitation

Automated Customs System Partially implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies Partially implemented
Electronic Single Window System Planning stage
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of import and export permit Not implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests* Not available
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Partially implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Towards Cross-Border Paperless Trade

Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Planning stage
Electronic exchange of Customs Declaration Planning stage
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Planning stage
Paperless collection of payment from a documentary letter of credit Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Border Agency Cooperation

National legislative framework and/or institutional arrangements for border agencies cooperation Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating border controls to Customs authorities Partially implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Fully implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Fully implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Transit Facilitation

Transit facilitation agreement(s)* Partially implemented
Limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Fully implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation* Partially implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation for SMEs Measures

Trade-related information measures for SMEs* Partially implemented
SMEs in AEO scheme* Not implemented
SMEs access Single Window* Not implemented
SMEs in National Trade Facilitation Committee* Not implemented
Other special measures for SMEs* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Agriculture Trade Facilitation Measures

Testing and laboratory facilities available to meet SPS of main trading partners* Not implemented
National standards and accreditation bodies to facilitate compliance with SPS* Not implemented
Electronic application and issuance of SPS certificates* Not implemented
Special treatment for perishable goods* Planning stage
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Women in Trade Facilitation Measures

TF policy/strategy to increase women’s participation in trade* Partially implemented
TF measures to benefit women involved in trade* Partially implemented
Women membership in the National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar bodies* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Finance Facilitation Measures

Single window facilitates traders access to finance* Do not know
Authorities engaged in blockchain-based supply chain project covering trade finance* Do not know
Variety of trade finance services available* Do not know
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation in Times of Crisis Measures

Agency in place to manage TF in times of crises and emergencies* Partially implemented
Online publication of emergency TF measures* Partially implemented
Coordination between countries on emergency TF measures* Planning stage
Additional trade facilitation measures to facilitate trade in times of emergencies* Planning stage
Plan in place to facilitate trade during future crises* Fully implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.
Compare Lao P.D.R. to other economies or groupings
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Lao P.D.R.? Please let us know »
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Lao P.D.R.? Please let us know »
Major
Ladder

Trade facilitation score of 58.06% (2019)
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 66.67%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 48.15%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

General Trade Facilitation Measures

National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar body Fully implemented
Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Fully implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Partially implemented
Advance publication/notification of new trade-related regulations before their implementation Partially implemented
Advance ruling on tariff classification and origin of imported goods Partially implemented
Risk management Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented
Post-clearance audits Partially implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Partially implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Partially implemented
Trade facilitation measures for authorized operators Planning stage
Expedited shipments Partially implemented
Acceptance of copies of original supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Paperless Trade Facilitation

Automated Customs System Partially implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies Partially implemented
Electronic Single Window System Planning stage
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of import and export permit Not implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests* Not available
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Not implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Towards Cross-Border Paperless Trade

Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Planning stage
Electronic exchange of Customs Declaration Planning stage
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Planning stage
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Planning stage
Paperless collection of payment from a documentary letter of credit Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Border Agency Cooperation

National legislative framework and/or institutional arrangements for border agencies cooperation Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating controls to Customs authorities Partially implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Transit Facilitation

Transit facilitation agreement(s)* Partially implemented
Customs Authorities limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Fully implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation* Partially implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation for SMEs Measures

Trade-related information measures for SMEs* Planning stage
SMEs in AEO scheme* Not implemented
SMEs access Single Window* Not implemented
SMEs in National Trade Facilitation Committee* Not implemented
Other special measures for SMEs* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Agriculture Trade Facilitation Measures

Testing and laboratory facilities available to meet SPS of main trading partners* Not implemented
National standards and accreditation bodies to facilitate compliance with SPS* Not implemented
Electronic application and issuance of SPS certificates* Not implemented
Special treatment for perishable goods* Planning stage
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Women in Trade Facilitation Measures

Trade facilitation policy/strategy incorporates special consideration of female traders* Not implemented
Trade facilitation measures aimed at female traders* Not implemented
Female membership in the National Trade Facilitation Committee* Do not know
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Finance Facilitation Measures

Single window facilitates traders to access to finance* Do not know
Banks allow electronic exchange of data between trading partners* Do not know
Variety of trade finance services available* Do not know
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.
Compare Lao P.D.R. to other economies or groupings
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Lao P.D.R.? Please let us know »
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Lao P.D.R.? Please let us know »
Major
Ladder

Trade facilitation score of 53.76% (2017)
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 62.5%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 48.15%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 16.67%.

General Trade Facilitation Measures

National Trade Facilitation Committee Fully implemented
Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Fully implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Partially implemented
Advance publication/notification of new regulations before their implementation Partially implemented
Advance ruling (on tariff classification) Partially implemented
Risk management Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented
Post-clearance audit Partially implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Partially implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Partially implemented
Trade facilitation measures for authorized operators Not implemented
Expedited shipments Partially implemented
Acceptance of paper or electronic copies of supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Paperless Trade Facilitation

Electronic/automated Customs System Partially implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies at border-crossings Partially implemented
Electronic Single Window System Planning stage
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of import and export permit, if such permit is required Not implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests* Not available
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Partially implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Not implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Towards Cross-Border Paperless Trade

Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Planning stage
Engagement in trade-related cross-border electronic data exchange Not implemented
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Not implemented
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Not implemented
Traders in your country apply for letters of credit electronically from banks or insurers without lodging paper-based documents Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Border Agency Cooperation

National legislative framework and institutional arrangement are available to ensure border agencies to cooperate with each other Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating controls to Customs authorities Partially implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Transit Facilitation

Transit facilitation agreement(s) with neighbouring country(ies)* Partially implemented
Customs Authorities limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Partially implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation* Partially implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation for SMEs Measures

Government has developed trade facilitation measures that ensure easy and affordable access for SMEs to trade related information* Not implemented
Government has developed specific measures that enable SMEs to more easily benefit from the AEO scheme* Not implemented
Government has taken actions to make the single windows more easily accessible to SMEs (e.g., by providing technical consultation and training services to SMEs on registering and using the facility.)* Not implemented
Government has taken actions to ensure that SMEs are well represented and made key members of National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs)* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Agriculture Trade Facilitation Measures

Testing and laboratory facilities are equipped for compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards in your country* Not implemented
National standards and accreditation bodies are established for the purpose of compliance with SPS standards in your country* Not implemented
Application, verification and issuance of SPS certificates is automated* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Women in Trade Facilitation Measures

The existing trade facilitation policy/strategy incorporates special consideration of women involved in trade* Not implemented
Government has introduced trade facilitation measures to benefit women involved in trade* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.
Compare Lao P.D.R. to other economies or groupings
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Lao P.D.R.? Please let us know »
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Lao P.D.R.? Please let us know »
Major
Ladder

Trade facilitation score of 50.54% (2015)
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 54.17%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 77.78%; Paperless Trade: 44.44%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 16.67%.

General Trade Facilitation Measures

National Trade Facilitation Committee Fully implemented
Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Fully implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Partially implemented
Advance publication/notification of new regulations before their implementation Partially implemented
Advance ruling (on tariff classification) Partially implemented
Risk management Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented
Post-clearance audit Partially implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Partially implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Partially implemented
Trade facilitation measures for authorized operators Not implemented
Expedited shipments Partially implemented
Acceptance of paper or electronic copies of supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Paperless Trade Facilitation

Electronic/automated Customs System Partially implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies at border-crossings Partially implemented
Electronic Single Window System Not implemented
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of import and export permit, if such permit is required Not implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests* Not available
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Partially implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Not implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Towards Cross-Border Paperless Trade

Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Planning stage
Engagement in trade-related cross-border electronic data exchange Not implemented
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Not implemented
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Not implemented
Traders in your country apply for letters of credit electronically from banks or insurers without lodging paper-based documents Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Border Agency Cooperation

National legislative framework and institutional arrangement are available to ensure border agencies to cooperate with each other Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating controls to Customs authorities Partially implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Transit Facilitation

Transit facilitation agreement(s) with neighbouring country(ies)* Partially implemented
Customs Authorities limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Partially implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation* Partially implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.
Compare Lao P.D.R. to other economies or groupings
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Lao P.D.R.? Please let us know »