Myanmar Officially Enacts New Set of National Standards
On 2 September 2025, Myanmar’s National Standards Council officially adopted 73 new Myanmar Standards (MMS) under Notification No. 075/2025, issued pursuant to section 33(b) of the Law on Standardisation. These new standards cover a broad range of sectors, including electrical and photovoltaic systems, food safety and agriculture, industrial chemicals and materials, pumps and bearings, construction and building materials, healthcare and laboratory practices, conformity assessment, consumer products, election technology, and automotive regulations. Specifically, they include requirements for safety, performance, and quality in areas such as electrical cables, photovoltaic systems, infant formula, mineral water, salt, propanols, ammonia, curved and safety glass, laboratory competence, and tire performance.
Businesses operating in these sectors are expected to align their production, testing, and quality control processes with the new standards to ensure compliance, safety, and market credibility.
Registered Companies to Follow DICA's New Compliance Directive
On 1 September 2025, the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) issued Directive No. 106/2025 under the Myanmar Companies Law (MCL) to strengthen compliance requirements for all entities registered through the Myanmar Companies Online (“MyCO“) system.
The directive mandates that companies strictly follow the MCL and related regulations, including the timely submission of annual returns within two months of incorporation. Required documents include proof of a company bank account, a police recommendation confirming the registered office, and verification of directors’ and members’ addresses. Companies must also submit supporting documents for share transfers and changes in directorships, such as board resolutions, signed agreements, and identity documents. Public companies will face closer scrutiny, and DICA reserves the right to impose penalties for non-compliance, including restrictions on company participation or disqualification from director roles.
The directive emphasises that all filings on MyCO must be accurate and complete, as deficiencies may result in delayed approvals or regulatory action.
CBM Introduces New Rules for Export Payment Procedures
On 25 August 2025, the Central Bank of Myanmar (“CBM“) issued a notification on “Export Proceeds Requirements for Exporters”, tightening regulations on export proceeds. Exporters are now required to (i) obtain export licenses through the TradeNet 2.0 system; (ii) secure Export Declarations (EDs); and (iii) repatriate foreign-currency earnings within 30 days for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN“) exports, or 60 days for non-ASEAN exports. Failure to do so may result in penalties under the Foreign Exchange Management Law, including fines or imprisonment. Exporters must reconcile all export payments with their Authorised Dealer Banks, submitting invoices, contracts, and shipping documents for verification.
CBM will monitor compliance through its Foreign Exchange Management System. Repeated violations may lead to blacklisting of companies and directors, suspension of licences, and loss of access to financial services. Removal from the blacklist requires full reconciliation and bank confirmation. Limited exceptions apply for damaged, defective, or re-exported goods, provided that evidence of damage, defect, or re-exportation is promptly submitted.
Updates on Trade Licensing, Business Registration, and Customs Procedures
On 7 August 2025, Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOC“) and Customs Department introduced key updates on trade licensing and customs procedures. MOC extended the Automatic Licensing system for 97 sea-exported commodities until 31 August 2025, while border exports of the same items now require Non-Automatic Licensing.
Under TradeNet 2.0, effective 1 August 2025, exporters and importers must complete business registrations – such as for dealerships or online sales – within 21 days, or face penalties and cancellation after 90 days.
The Intellectual Property Department also began accepting applications for Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) under the Copyright Law. Additionally, customs at the Asia World Port Terminal now operates 24/7, while other ports remain open from 9am to 6pm. These measures aim to enhance trade efficiency and compliance.
Myanmar's Cybersecurity Law Comes into Effect
On 30 July 2025, Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law came into effect, introducing comprehensive rules for digital communications, online platforms, and cybersecurity services. The law has extraterritorial reach, applying to Myanmar citizens abroad. Virtual Private Network (“VPN“) providers must obtain prior approval, while digital platform operators must retain user data for three years and implement measures to identify false information or cyber threats. Entities offering cybersecurity services or operating platforms with over 100,000 users are required to be licensed or registered.
Non-compliance can result in fines ranging from MMK1 million to MMK100 million, imprisonment of one to six months for individuals, and confiscation of proceeds. The law also penalises unsolicited communications, online theft, cyber misuse, and unapproved online gambling, reflecting the Government’s efforts to secure Myanmar’s digital economy.
Please note that whilst the information in this Update is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as a substitute for specific professional advice
