Doing a steel project in Laos

Laos is in South-Eastern Asia. The capital is Vientiane. Local currency: Lao kip (LAK).

Laos has no coastline: shipments arrive through a seaport in a neighbouring country (Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vietnam) and continue by road or rail.

Vietnam and Laos are both parties to ATIGA, RCEP, so steel structures made in Vietnam can qualify for preferential tariffs under the rules of origin.

Victor Dang, Global Sales Director of World Steel Group, is the direct contact for projects in Laos, from first drawings to fabrication, packing, shipping and documents.

Key facts

Country facts

Sources: ISO 3166 and public reference data (world-countries, Natural Earth). Population, GDP and ports are shown only when added with a source.

Official name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Capital: Vientiane
Region: Asia · South-Eastern Asia
Area: 236,800 km²
Currency: Lao kip (LAK)
Languages: Lao
Calling code: +856
Internet domain: .la
Sea access: Landlocked
Neighbouring countries: Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vietnam

Trade with Vietnam

Trade between Vietnam and Laos

Agreements that can lower import duty on steel structures from Vietnam to Laos.

ATIGA

ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement

In force since 2010

Certificate of origin Form D

RCEP

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

In force since 2022

Certificate of origin Form RCEP

Documents to plan for

Tariff classification: steel structures and parts are usually declared under HS heading 7308.
Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading for each shipment.
Certificate of origin for the preferential tariff: Form D, Form RCEP.
Material certificates and inspection records as agreed in the contract.
Building permit, local code approval and any import licence required in Laos.

Victor confirms the exact list with the buyer, freight forwarder and customs broker for each project.

Solutions