In order to enter Laos, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Laos government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Laos, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Laos.
Import regulations
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic admits only the following goods. Senders require the written authorisation of the Lao Ministry of Industry and Trade to send anything not on the list:
- Articles of no commercial value
- Art works, original, imported by their creators
- Goods imported by the diplomatic and consular corps
- Goods re-imported after temporary export
- Newspapers, printed papers and other published items that cannot harm the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
- Personal effects and clothing
- Pharmaceutical products for medical or scientific purposes
- Samples
- Red Cross articles
- Wedding trousseaux and school uniforms.
Special documentation requirements
See Import restrictions
Prohibitions
In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, Lao People’s Democratic Republic prohibits:
- Coins, banknotes, and securities payable to bearer
- Films – entertainment
- Pharmaceutical products
- Platinum, gold or silver
- Precious stones and metals
- Radio receiver equipment
- Travellers cheques
- Tape and video
- Telecommunications equipment.