Myanmar Issues New Export and Import Compliance Procedures
On 6 July 2026, Myanmar’s Ministry of Finance and Revenue issued new Export and Import Compliance Procedures (“Procedures“), replacing several notifications previously governing import and export compliance. The new framework consolidates existing requirements and introduces clearer penalties and stricter enforcement measures for trade-related violations.
The Procedures establish a detailed penalty regime for non-compliance, including documentation discrepancies, licensing violations, and incorrect product information. For exporters, penalties may apply to country-of-origin errors, excess-quantity exports, and documentation deficiencies, while goods exported without the required documentation may be subject to confiscation.
For importers, the new rules impose stricter requirements relating to product specifications, brand and trademark declarations, country-of-origin information, manufacturing years, and the condition of imported goods. The Procedures also introduce graduated penalties for shipments arriving before licence issuance or after licence expiry, with more severe consequences for prolonged non-compliance.
In addition, penalties for unlicensed imports now vary depending on the type of goods involved, ranging from monetary fines to confiscation for certain regulated or sensitive products. The new framework is intended to enhance customs compliance, improve regulatory certainty, and encourage businesses to ensure that licences, documentation, and shipment details are fully compliant before import or export activities.
DICA Issues New Guidelines on Company Name Approvals
The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (“DICA“) has issued new guidelines on company name approvals under the Myanmar Companies Law 2017. The guidelines aim to enhance transparency and reduce delays in the company registration process by providing clearer criteria for assessing proposed company names.
The guidelines emphasise that company names must not be identical or confusingly similar to existing registered entities. Similarity may arise from minor spelling differences, phonetic resemblance, rearrangement of words, the use of abbreviations, or the addition of common terms such as “Group”, “Holding”, “International”, or “Myanmar”. DICA will also assess whether a proposed name could create the impression that two businesses are affiliated when this is not the case. DICA also restricts the use of names that suggest affiliations with government bodies, international organisations, or politically, culturally, or religiously sensitive entities. Importantly, DICA may require a company to change its name after registration if it is later found to be non-compliant. Businesses are therefore encouraged to conduct thorough name checks before submitting registration applications.
Myanmar Proposes New Anti-Online Scam Bill
On 19 May 2026, Myanmar released the draft Anti-Online Scam Bill (“Bill“) for public consultation, with the objective of strengthening the country’s legal framework to combat online fraud and cyber-enabled financial crimes. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance domestic and international cooperation, improve information sharing, protect the public from online scams, and provide authorities with broader powers to investigate and take action against scam-related activities.
The draft bill proposes the establishment of a Central Committee, regional committees, and an Anti-Scam Centre to coordinate enforcement efforts. It would apply to offences committed within Myanmar, by Myanmar citizens abroad, and to activities carried out through cyberspace connected to Myanmar. The Bill also contains provisions addressing the investigation of online scam operations, information-sharing mechanisms, asset seizure and management, and cooperation with foreign authorities and international organisations.
In addition, the Bill introduces obligations for relevant institutions and service providers involved in financial transactions and telecommunications services, reflecting a broader effort to prevent the misuse of digital platforms for fraudulent activities. Once enacted, the law is expected to strengthen Myanmar’s ability to combat online scams, improve consumer protection, and support cross-border enforcement against increasingly sophisticated cybercrime networks.
CBM Issues New Offshore Remittance Business Regulations
On 18 May 2026, the Central Bank of Myanmar (“CBM“) issued new regulations governing offshore remittance businesses, replacing the previous 2019 framework. The regulations strengthen licensing, compliance, and reporting requirements for remittance service providers.
Key changes include the requirement for applicants to provide evidence that their overseas partners hold valid remittance licences and to submit criminal clearance certificates for all shareholders. While the mandatory security deposit remains unchanged, licence holders are now limited to a maximum of two revolving fund bank accounts per country. The regulations also remove previous transaction limits and require all transaction records to be retained for at least five years. In addition, licence holders must implement enhanced anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) measures, including formal compliance policies, risk assessments, customer due diligence procedures, staff training, and the reporting of suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
The updated framework further increases certain licensing fees and reinforces CBM’s supervisory powers through suspension, revocation, and penalty provisions for non-compliance. The changes reflect a broader effort to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve compliance standards within Myanmar’s remittance sector.
Amendments to Securities Exchange Law Enacted
On 3 April 2026, Myanmar enacted amendments to the Securities Exchange Law (Law No. 52/2026), introducing significant reforms aimed at broadening the scope of the country’s capital markets and strengthening regulatory oversight. The amendments modernise the existing framework by introducing new market structures and expanding the range of regulated entities and activities.
Key changes include (i) the establishment of a Pre-Listing Board for companies not yet eligible for full stock exchange listing; (ii) the recognition of a Derivatives Market; and (iii) the regulation of Credit Rating Agencies, Registration Advisory Companies, and Collective Investment Schemes. The amendments also expand the Securities and Exchange Commission’s authority to license and supervise additional securities-related businesses.
The revised law enhances requirements for public offerings by introducing mandatory credit ratings for certain debt issuances and additional disclosure obligations. It also creates a legal basis for foreign individuals and entities to participate in Myanmar’s securities market, subject to regulatory approval and future implementing rules.
In addition, stricter confidentiality obligations now apply to employees and responsible persons of licensed securities businesses, with breaches potentially resulting in fines, imprisonment, or both. Overall, the reforms are intended to support market development, improve investor confidence, and facilitate broader participation in Myanmar’s capital markets.
Myanmar New Framework for Leasing State-Managed Land and Assets
On 9 March 2026, Myanmar introduced Directive No. 1/2026 (“Directive“), establishing a new framework for the short-term and long-term leasing of state-managed land, buildings, and other assets. The Directive aims to standardise leasing procedures, facilitate investment activities, and provide greater clarity for investors seeking access to state-owned or managed assets.
A key feature of the Directive is the introduction of long-term lease arrangements of up to 40 years, comprising an initial 30-year term with extensions of up to 5+5 years. The framework applies not only to land and buildings but also to a broad range of state-managed assets, including machinery, equipment, vehicles, ports, and shipyard facilities.
The Directive establishes three pathways for obtaining long-term access to state-managed assets: (i) government-solicited projects; (ii) unsolicited proposals from investors; and (iii) direct long-term leases without a joint venture arrangement. It also provides flexibility for concessional rental rates where a project is considered a priority business that contributes to national economic development.
In addition, the framework introduces procedures for lease extensions and requires coordination with the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) for long-term lease arrangements. The new regime is intended to improve investment opportunities while providing a more structured and transparent process for the use of state-managed land and assets.
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
