National Single Window Simplifies and Streamlines Lao PDR’s Cross-border Trade

The National Single Window in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) [3] aims to simplify and streamline the import, export, and transit of all goods and cargo at all international borders and airports in the Lao PDR. The National Single Window is linked to the ASYCUDA system. It facilitates customs clearance and highlights transparency in trade.  

Functions of the National Single Window include (i) facilitating requests and issuance of import permits; (ii) tracking the movement of goods by manifest reference ID; and (iii) collection of taxes and relevant fees for the Treasury using one payment record. Its coverage include electronic permits, electronic manifests, invoicing and billing at a single point, and statistics and reporting. 

The National Single Window is set to benefit Lao PDR, as well as the country’s traders, through reducing the amount of paper used for trade procedures because forms are only submitted once, lessening the cost of doing business by making cross-border trade more efficient with quicker validation and inspection, increasing transparency between public and private sectors, and streamlining personnel workflow. 

Lao PDR’s Ministry of Finance urged economic operators and shipping agents in the country whose businesses involve cross-border trade and transit of goods to receive training on the system. 

Lao PDR's National Single Window became operational in 23 February 2021. It is a joint venture between Lao PDR through the Ministry of Finance and BIVAC Lao Co., Ltd.