You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

July 28, 2023

Myanmar Requires Registration of Online Retail Businesses

Subscribe to Updates

Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued three notifications related to e-commerce on July 21, 2023, classifying online retail businesses as essential services, requiring them to register with the relevant authorities, and setting the criteria for their registration.

Under Notification No. 49/2023 the MOC authorized the Department of Trade (DOT) to issue notifications, orders, and directives relating to online retail businesses.

This was followed by Notification No. 50/2023, which classifies online retail businesses as essential services under the Essential Supplies and Services Law and requires them to register with the DOT within six months of the issuance of the notification (i.e., by January 21, 2024). Failure to register within the specified period will be punishable by imprisonment for six months to three years and a fine of up to MMK 500,000 (approx. USD 238).

Finally, under Notification No. 51/2023, the MOC set out the criteria and requirements for the registration of online retail businesses by entities, business institutions, and individuals, as well as the duties and liabilities of sellers and consumers.

Pursuant to this notification, registration should be completed via the DOT’s online system, fees must be paid digitally, and electronic registration certificates will be issued. Certificates are initially valid for two years, and can be renewed. The MOC will provide information at a later time on the prescribed forms, certificate format, registration and online fees, and online registration portal.

In applying for registration, an entity or business institution established under the Myanmar Companies Law, Special Company Act, Co-operative Society Law, or any other existing Myanmar laws must have a website with its own domain name or an online channel with an exact address that is used for online sales and a registered business address within Myanmar. Individual applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Myanmar, and provide a business operating address within the territory of Myanmar.

Sellers must disclose which items they sell on the registration system; these can be amended post-certification. Applicants must have any necessary relevant government licenses/permits for the items.

To verify the business operating address, the DOT will conduct an onsite visit before issuing a registration certificate. The DOT can refuse issuance if the business fails to meet the criteria prescribed in the notifications. If an application is rejected, the applicant may amend and resubmit it within 30 days. If a certificate holder does not comply with its duties and liabilities, the DOT can suspend or revoke the certificate.

[Update September 29, 2023:

The MOC is accepting applications to register online retail businesses from October 2, 2023, through its online registration platform. Applicants need to provide their name and logo along with recommendation letters from both the ward administration office and the police station of the township where the business address is.

There is no registration fee for registering by the end of December 2023; however, the application fee, inclusive of online transaction fees, is MMK 3,900 (approx. USD 1.8). The registration fee is not yet specified. For further details, please see our article about Myanmar’s guidelines for e-commerce businesses.  

After six months from the issuance of Notification 50/2023, the MOC will take action against unregistered e-commerce businesses in accordance with the Essential Supplies and Services Law.]

Related Professionals

Industries

Consumer Products

Technology

Practices

Corporate/M&A

Location

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

January 30, 2026
Thailand’s Data Privacy Day 2026, hosted by the Office of the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC), underscored the country’s commitment to strengthening personal data protection, advancing regulatory maturity, and preparing organizations for the next phase of PDPA enforcement. The event marked a clear shift from policy-level compliance toward “Privacy in Action,” signaling that operational readiness and real-world implementation are now priorities. The Office of the PDPC also emphasized that data protection is now a national economic enabler that supports digital trust, competitiveness, and sustainable growth, not just a compliance obligation. The following insights summarize the key takeaways from the Data Privacy Day 2026 event. PDPA in Real Life: What Happens to Your Data Today The Office of the PDPC provided concrete data on enforcement trends and real-world compliance issues facing organizations across Thailand. Complaints and trends. The Office of the PDPC’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) Center recorded 2,672 PDPA-related complaints as of January 2026, with the highest volumes involving failure to comply with the data minimization principle, collection without lawful basis, and use and disclosure without lawful basis. Administrative penalties. Several administrative penalties have been imposed on data controllers and data processors across various sectors, including government, healthcare, retail, SMEs and e-commerce, ranging from tens of thousands to several million baht. Most violations stemmed from weak security measures, failure to notify data breaches within the required timeline, absence of a data protection officer (DPO) when required, and noncompliance with governance requirements such as the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) and data processing agreements with data processors. Case studies. The Office of the PDPC highlighted specific examples of violations: Hospitals misused personal data for purposes beyond their intended scope (e.g., using personal data collected for providing medical services to send birthday cards) Vendors compromised systems due to inadequate password
Read More
January 29, 2026
Following the recent enactment of a comprehensive legal framework addressing sexual harassment, Thailand has launched a fast-track judicial process enabling victims of online sexual harassment to obtain court orders suspending and removing obscene content from the internet. On January 26, 2026, the Office of the Judiciary introduced the “Take It Down” procedure through the Court Integral Online Service (CIOS) platform, providing victims with their first direct, expedited pathway to halt the spread of online content that violates the new legal provisions against sexual harassment. This new remedy stems from section 284/4 of the Penal Code, introduced through the Act Amending the Penal Code (No. 30) B.E. 2568, which took effect on December 30, 2025. Under section 284/4, an injured person or a competent official may petition the court to suspend dissemination of violating data and remove the data from computer systems within a court-specified period. The court may also direct system controllers, service providers, or competent authorities to carry out the order and report back within 15 days. Filing through the CIOS Platform The CIOS platform serves as the primary electronic channel for these petitions. Key features include: Individuals can file online without appearing in person and may submit petitions at any time the system is available. Users must complete digital identity verification via the ThaID application to access the CIOS. Petitions under section 284/4 are limited to requests to suspend or remove violating content. Claims for monetary damages must be pursued separately, including via separate proceedings or prefiling mediation. Streamlined Review Process The submission workflow is end-to-end electronic, and the system provides step-by-step guidance. After submission, court staff review the petition before presenting it to a judge for consideration. The court may conduct an online inquiry to obtain additional information, and in-person attendance is required only if deemed
Read More
January 22, 2026
On January 20, 2026, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) issued Decision No. 96/QD-BTC to formally launch pilot administrative procedures for licensing crypto asset trading market services in Vietnam. The decision took immediate effect and implements the government’s pilot crypto asset market program under Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP. Notably, competent authorities have now begun accepting license applications, marking the first time Vietnam has operationalized a licensing pathway for crypto trading market operators. Administrative Procedures and Applications The decision stipulates procedures for (i) granting, (ii) adjusting, and (iii) revoking licenses to provide services for organizing crypto asset trading markets. It provides detailed, step-by-step guidance for each procedure, including dossier composition, internal review stages, coordination mechanisms, and statutory timelines. These procedures apply specifically to entities seeking to organize and operate crypto asset trading markets within Vietnam’s pilot regulatory framework. The MOF is the authority responsible for reviewing and deciding on the above procedures, with the State Securities Commission acting as the receiving, coordinating, and procedural focal point. For licensing applications, the MOF will coordinate with multiple authorities, including the State Bank of Vietnam and the Ministry of Public Security, particularly in relation to anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, system safety, and risk control requirements. Applications may be submitted in person, by post, or electronically via the National Public Service Portal or the administrative procedure information system, in line with applicable regulations. Statutory processing timelines vary depending on the specific procedure and stage involved. For applications to obtain a license to organize a crypto asset trading market, the process is conducted in multiple phases: The MOF will issue an initial written response within 20 working days from receipt of a complete and valid initial dossier, following which, upon submission of the full set of required documents, the MOF will complete substantive review and issue the license
Read More
January 21, 2026
On January 16, 2026, Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Committee released for public comment a draft notification that would require social media platforms operating in Thailand to implement identity verification for all user accounts and advertisers, with enhanced scrutiny for high-risk advertising activities. If finalized in its current form, the Notification on Measures to Prevent Technology Crime for Social Media Service Providers would take effect 180 days after publication in the Government Gazette, fundamentally changing how platforms verify users and monetize advertising services. The public comment period is open through February 2, 2026. Mandatory User and Advertiser Identity Verification The draft establishes a universal requirement that all social media service providers implement identity verification measures for every user account. The draft imposes stricter verification obligations for advertisers than for general users. Before publishing any advertisement, platforms must verify the advertiser’s identity at a level sufficient to identify the advertiser, unless the advertiser has previously completed verification. Risk-Based Advertisement Verification The identification requirements for advertisers will be more stringent in the following cases: The advertiser has a history of user complaints or has previously violated the platform’s terms of service. The advertisement involves finance, investment, loans, sensitive personal data, or content flagged as potentially involving cybercrime. The advertisement specifically targets vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or other at-risk demographics. In such cases, platforms must conduct identity verification using government-issued identification documents and must confirm the accuracy, authenticity, and currency of these documents with the issuing government agencies. Alternatively, platforms may verify identity through an eligible digital identity verification and authentication system provider. Information Retention Platforms must retain specific information for each advertiser, including the name of the individual or juristic person and any representatives, government-issued identification documents such as ID cards, passports, or certificates of incorporation, and reachable contact information including
Read More