Lao National Single Window to ease imports, exports at international borders

The Lao National Single Window (LNSW) – a  unique computerised platform - is now fully in force to simplify and streamline the import, export, and transit of all goods and cargo at all international borders and airports in Laos.
The Ministry of Finance recently issued a notification to officially generalise the use of the single window system nationwide from February 23 onwards.
Training in the use of the LNSW is being offered free of charge and takes place from Monday to Friday at the LNSW Office, according to BIVAC Lao Co., Ltd, which partners with the ministry to implement the LNSW.

Use of the LNSW, which is linked to the ASYCUDA system, will significantly increase sources of income for Laos and also ensure transparency in trade and thus facilitate customs clearance, enabling importers to catch up with other Asean countries.
The main functions of the system are:
•    To facilitate requests and issue import permits.
•    To track the movement of goods by manifest reference ID.
•    To collect taxes and relevant fees for the Treasury using one payment record.
Reasons for using the LNSW:
•    To simplify, streamline and create efficient import processes.
•    To reduce the paper burden as documents are standardised and only need to be submitted once.
•    To lower the cost of doing business as border crossings become more efficient through quicker validation and inspection.
•    To increase transparency between the public and private sectors.
•    To improve the working methods of personnel.
LNSW activities cover:
•    Electronic permits (permit requests and validation process).
•    Electronic manifests (to track merchandise and interfaces).
•    Single point of invoicing and billing.
•    Statistics and reporting.
In its notification, the finance ministry announced the rollout of the LNSW platform to manage the import of all goods at bridges, including all goods that are exempt from or have been suspended from the payment of customs duty and other taxes.
All economic operators and shipping agents in Laos whose businesses involve the import, export or transit of goods are encouraged to visit the LNSW office for training so that they learn how to use the system effectively.
Traders who have not registered to use the system should do so immediately and their user accounts should be issued urgently.
Importers and exporters of all goods are required to pay customs duty and other taxes as well as the fees charged by relevant agencies at a single location.
These consist of service units or electronic systems operated by BCEL and LDB and include BCEL i- Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking, cash, money transfer and cheque, depending on the relevant regulations.
LNSW Co., Ltd. has been assigned to collect the fees for the use of this system at the rate of 120,000 kip per transaction.
This excludes customs and other duties, taxes, fees, and the service charges levied by various agencies.
The LNSW is a joint venture between Laos represented by the Ministry of Finance and BIVAC Lao Co., Ltd. for the implementation of the LNSW and its operation at all international border crossings in the country.
For more details, please do not hesitate to visit the LNSW office in Naxay village, Xaysettha district, at H 429, Unit 41, 3rd floor. Or call WhatsApp 020 5489 1405, 020 9861 7780 or 020 5554 4640 to register.
Email: helpdesk@laonsw.net
Website: www.laonsw.net

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo 
(Latest Update February 23, 2021)