E-commerce Registration Commenced on October 2, 2023

On 2 October 2023, the Ministry of Commerce (the “MOC“) introduced the e-commerce registration system known as eComReg System during an awareness-raising event held at the UMFCCI in Yangon. The eComReg system enables any individual or entity engaging in e-commerce activities to conduct e-commerce registration with effect from 2 October 2023 with the aim of fostering trust between sellers and consumers.

Who Needs to be Registered?

Companies, business associations, and individuals whether based in Myanmar or overseas are required to be registered via the eComReg system if they are targeting the Myanmar market. This includes sellers operating through websites, social media platforms, or mobile applications. Furthermore, electronic or online platforms such as Foodpanda, Grab, and Shop.com, which provide e-commerce services allowing third-party sellers and consumers to trade, are also required to be registered as confirmed by the secretary during the event. Such platform owners bear responsibility for settling any disputes that may arise between sellers and consumers. Moreover, they must also update the list of sellers with the MOC every six months.

Required Documents for registration

For registration as an e-commerce entity with the MOC, companies must prepare the following key documents:

• Company Incorporation Certificate
• Registered formal domain name (e.g., .com, .com.mm)
• A list of goods or documents being sold
• relevant government licenses or permits for the goods or services being sold (if any)
• A recommendation letter from the relevant police station and local ward administration office

Penalty for failure to make registration

The deadline for registration as an e-commerce entity with the MOC is 31 December 2023. Those registering before the deadline will be granted a waiver of registration fees. The MOC’s Notification No. 51/2023 dated 21 July 2023 specifies a penalty of imprisonment for a period ranging from six months to three years and a fine of up to MMK 500,000 on any entities or individuals operating e-commerce activities without e-commerce registration certificate.

In addition, the Deputy Director of the Trade Department also mentioned during the eComReg system introduction event that actions would be taken against unregistered e-commerce sellers without specifying the nature of those actions.

Thus, we strongly urge businesses to be registered before the deadline to avoid any penalties.

Note

Please note that as the system has recently been launched on 2 October 2023, and this is the pilot project period, updates to the system or the process are expected to be made in the near future. If you would like to obtain more information on the e-commerce registration or require assistance with this matter, please contact the undersigned or your usual VDB Loi adviser.

July Win Naing

Email – [email protected]

Tel: +951 925 3752