Thailand
Laos to stop quality testing of electronic, electric appliances
The Lao Office of the Prime Minister has mandated to abolish quality inspections for electronic and electrical appliances which are imported through the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.
Implementation of the inspections has led to the rise in import procedures and increased costs, according to an update on the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce last week.
In September 2017, the government issued the notification, which authorises the Ministry of Science and Technology to test the quality of electronic and electrical appliances and ensure the quality of imported appliances into Laos and to protect local consumers.
However, after the actual implementation of the order, it seems to have adversely impacted the business sector. The move has increased the time-frame for import of goods and has increased the service fee for entrepreneurs, becoming a barrier for trading.
To protect consumers, quality checks must be done, but at the destination point such as at the distributors or at shops and without any additional fee collection.
The abolishing of the testing of quality inspection for electronic and electrical appliances which are imported through the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I will help save time and reduce service fees.
Saving time and money are the chief considerations for effective trade facilitation solutions for the Lao government for improving its ease of doing business ranking.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said it has taken steps that significantly ease and speed up border trade.
Laos’ trading across borders facilitation ranking climbed from 124th last year to 76th this year an improvement of 48 places, according to the ministry’s 2019 trading across borders report.
Currently, Laos ranks 154 out of 190 on the World Bank Group’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business Index, reflecting a complex and opaque business environment, with barriers to regional trade and integration that limit its attractiveness as an investment destination.
Investors complain about high costs of doing business and the absence of a transparent, dynamic, and streamlined business environment.
VIENTIANE TIMES