Reminder to Obtain an E-commerce Registration Certificate for Online Sales as Soon as Possible

On 9 August 2024, the Department of Trade (“DOT”) under the Ministry of Commerce published Announcement No. 11/2024, which states that individuals, companies, and business organizations must obtain a registration certificate from the DOT before engaging in online sales. Failure to do so will result in action being taken in accordance with the Essential Supplies and Services Law, which includes imprisonment for a term ranging from six months to three years and a fine of MMK500,000.

This is a follow-up to Notification No. 50/2023 dated 21 July 2023, which set online sales as an essential service and required operators to obtain an e-commerce registration certificate within six months of issuance (i.e. by 21 January 2024). However, given some technical difficulties with setting up the registration system, the DOT had not yet enforced the requirement. However, with the registration website now in place and the issuance of this new announcement, the DOT seems to be planning to step up enforcement.

Registration for a new e-commerce registration certificate and for renewals can be done through www.ecomreg.gov.mm, with payment of the registration fee. The applicable fees are as follows:

Companies and business organizations that do not hold a Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise (“SME”) certificate

• Registration fee: MMK70,000 (with a two-year validity)
• Renewal fee: MMK70,000
• Amendment fee: MMK3,000

Companies and business organizations that hold an SME certificate

• Registration fee: MMK50,000 (with a two-year validity)
• Renewal fee: MMK50,000
• Amendment fee: MMK3,000

Individuals

• Registration fee: MMK30,000 (with a two-year validity)
• Renewal fee: MMK30,000
• Amendment fee: MMK3,000

We encourage all those engaging in online sales to process their applications for an e-commerce registration certificate as soon as possible to avoid any penalties.

If you have any questions on the above matter or for assistance with applying for the certificate, please contact the undersigned or your usual VDB Loi adviser.