Country profile
Laos
LA · LAOAs of: 6/25/2026Inland transit corridor / energy and raw materials exporter
Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and is heavily dependent on transit. The Laos-China Railway together with the Thanaleng Dry Port has greatly boosted rail freight towards China. Import VAT 10 percent, customs clearance digital via NSWA+. ASEAN/RCEP member; EU EBA preferences lapse with LDC graduation on 24.11.2026.
Overview
Laos (ISO code: LA) is a socialist people's republic in Southeast Asia and the only landlocked country in the region; it borders China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. The climate is tropical monsoon, with a rainy season (May to October) and a dry season (November to April). Economically, Laos is agricultural and resource-oriented; hydropower electricity, copper, gold, wood products and agricultural goods dominate exports, while machinery, fuels and consumer goods are imported. Logistically, the country depends on transit: it has no seaports, and foreign trade runs via Thailand and Vietnam and increasingly via the Laos-China Railway (Boten-Vientiane, since December 2021) with the Thanaleng Dry Port and the Vientiane Logistics Park. Customs clearance is handled digitally via the National Single Window ASYCUDA+ (NSWA+); the import VAT is 10 percent. Laos is a member of ASEAN and RCEP. With the planned graduation from the group of Least Developed Countries on 24 November 2026, the duty-free EU EBA preferences will lapse.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Lao Customs Department (Customs Department, Ministry of Finance)Import system
Electronic import declaration via NSWA+ (National Single Window ASYCUDA+, since Nov 2022), based on ASYCUDA (since 2012). Operated by BIVAC (Lao) in a joint venture with the Customs Department.
Export system
Export declaration also via NSWA+/Lao National Single Window; permits, certificates of origin and duties are handled digitally.
Import VAT
- 10 percent standard rate (Presidential Decree 003/PS, since 1. May 2024
- previously 7 percent), levied on the customs value. Excise duty 5 to 90 percent depending on the goods.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Waybill (CMR / rail waybill / AWB)
- Import licence if required
- Certificate of origin
- Customs declaration NSWA+
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Proof of origin (Form D/E or RCEP)
- Export declaration NSWA+
- Export permit for wood/CITES
Origin proofs / FTA
Form D (ATIGA/ASEAN), RCEP origin declaration, Form E (ACFTA), AANZFTA and others; EU until 24.11.2026 via EBA (origin via REX/Form A).
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibited: weapons, drugs, raw log export (export ban). Licence required: wood products, wildlife/CITES, cultural property, pharmaceuticals, certain chemicals.
Export controls & sanctions
No international sanctions against Laos (as of 2026). Since 21.2.2025 on the FATF list of increased monitoring due to AML/CFT deficiencies.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: certificates/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Cargo airports
- Wattay International Airport (VTE), Vientiane
- Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
- Savannakhet International Airport (ZVK)
Inland ports & terminals
- Thanaleng Dry Port (Vientiane)
- Vientiane Logistics Park
- Savannakhet Dry Port
- Mekong river ports
Road corridors & border crossings
- R3A Kunming-Boten-Houayxay-Bangkok (GMS North-South Corridor)
- East-West Corridor R9 Savannakhet-Dansavanh (Thailand-Vietnam)
- Friendship Bridges over the Mekong to Thailand
Rail corridors
- Laos-China Railway Vientiane-Boten-Kunming (standard gauge)
- ASEAN Express (Malaysia-Thailand-Laos-China)
- Connection of Thanaleng to the Thai metre-gauge network
Top trade lanes
- Laos-China (rail)
- Laos-Thailand
- Laos-Vietnam
- Laos-EU (EBA until 2026)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Landlocked location creates dependence on transit through seaports in Thailand (Laem Chabang) and Vietnam. Kip depreciation and inflation drive up import costs; FATF monitoring increases compliance effort.
Seasonal & weather risks
Monsoon rainy season May to October with flood and landslide risk on roads; dry season November to April. Low water on the Mekong may restrict inland waterway shipping.
Current logistics notes
Laos-China Railway (Boten-Vientiane, since 3.12.2021) and Thanaleng Dry Port / Vientiane Logistics Park strengthen rail freight towards China. LDC graduation on 24.11.2026.
As of: 2026-06-25
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- customs.gov.la
- laonsw.net
- data.worldbank.org
- trade.gov
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Does Laos have its own seaports?
No. Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and has no seaports. Sea freight runs via ports in Thailand (e.g. Laem Chabang) or Vietnam and is transported onward by road, rail or the Mekong.
What is the import VAT rate in Laos?
The standard rate is 10 percent (since 1. May 2024, Presidential Decree 003/PS; previously 7 percent). Depending on the goods, an additional excise duty of 5 to 90 percent may apply.
Which customs system does Laos use?
Customs declarations are made electronically via the National Single Window ASYCUDA+ (NSWA+, since November 2022), which builds on ASYCUDA and is operated by the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance.
What is the significance of the Laos-China Railway for freight?
The standard-gauge railway Vientiane-Boten-Kunming, in operation since December 2021, has greatly boosted rail freight. Cargo is transhipped via the Thanaleng Dry Port between the Thai metre-gauge network and the Chinese standard-gauge network.
Which free trade agreements apply to Laos?
Laos is a member of ASEAN (ATIGA) and RCEP and uses agreements such as ACFTA and AANZFTA. Until LDC graduation on 24 November 2026, the duty-free EU EBA preferences also apply.
Are there sanctions against Laos?
No international sanctions are in place against Laos (as of 2026). However, since 21 February 2025 the country has been on the FATF list of increased monitoring, which increases compliance effort.
What currency is used in Laos?
The legal tender is the Lao kip (LAK). The currency tends to depreciate and experience inflation, which affects import costs and price calculations.
Which trade partners are important for Laos?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Laos?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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