On July 21st,2023, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued three notifications concerning e-commerce. Notification No.51/2023, issued on the same day, mandates that individuals, companies, business entities engaged in e-commerce must obtain a registration certificate from the Department of Trade (DOT).
Eligibility Criteria for E-Commerce Registration in Myanmar
In Myanmar, e-commerce is on the rise, and the Ministry of Commerce has established specific eligibility criteria for those seeking to engage in online sales.
| Company or Business Organization | Individual |
|---|---|
|
|
| Both Companies or Business Organizations and Individuals are required to disclose the location of their online sales operations. | |
Application and Requirements for online requirements process
Online Sales business of Local individuals, companies, or business organizations that provides goods or services through the eComReg System must apply for a registration certificate from the Department of Trade (“DOT”) under the MOC.
- The company’s registration card (for companies or business organizations)
- The SME registration card (for companies or business organizations).
- A recommendation letter from your local ward confirming your shop’s address accuracy.
- A recommendation letter from the police station.
- A passport photo
- For online shop owners, scan both the front and back sides of your NRC (National Registration Card)
- For foreign applicants, scan the front page of your passport
- If applicable, provide a recommendation letter from both your local ward and the police station where the business is located
- If you’re applying for online shops, prepare their logos. Individual businesses are not required to provide a company registration certificate when applying.
Process for Online Sales Registration
To obtain a registration certificate for an online sales business, applicants must provide the abovementioned documents. In accordance with the Department of Consumer Affairs, DOT will review applications, including on-site inspections. The DOT will reject applications for goods or services that are prohibited by any laws, pose safety risks, lack information or warranties, or violate regulations. The DOT will inform applicants of any refusal. If the applicant’s application is incomplete of inaccurate, DOT will let the applicant know. After getting refusal of application, the applicants need to make corrections and further improvement for the re-submission of the application within 30 days. Once approved, applicants have two weeks to pay registration fees and online service charges. The registration certificate valid for two years.
Amendments and Term Renewal of Registration Certificate
Those with a DOT registration certificate can make modifications to their goods or services by filling out an official online form and paying the service charges. If the changes meet the requirements, they will be approved and updated online. To renew your registration certificate, apply for renewal at least 60 days before it expires. If you miss this deadline, your certificate will be automatically canceled.
Penalty
Anyone who doing online sales business without the required registration certificate will face legal action under Section 5 of the Essential Supplies and Services Law commencing six months from 21st July 2023. Punishment for failing to register within six months is imprisonment for a term from six months to three years and a fine not exceeding MMK 500,000.
Remark
Commencing on October 2nd, 2023, the MOC is accepting for online retail business registrations through the eComReg System. To apply, the applicants are required to submit your business name, logo, and recommendation letters from both the ward administration office and the local police station where the business is located. There is no registration fee until the end of December 31st, 2023.
According to the Essential Supplies and Services Law, MOC will take action against unregistered businesses from the date of 1st January 2024.