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GOODS ACROSS BORDERS

MM / MMR

Myanmarแ€™แ€ผแ€”แ€บแ€™แ€ฌ

VERIFIED ยท 2026-07-01
CODEMM
ISO3MMR
REGIONASIA PACIFIC
VAT5% Commercial Tax
CURRENCYMMK
DE MINIMISN/A
CASH THRESHOLDUS$10000

Overview

Myanmar's customs administration is the Myanmar Customs Department (แ€™แ€ผแ€”แ€บแ€™แ€ฌแ€กแ€€แ€ฑแ€ฌแ€€แ€บแ€แ€ฝแ€”แ€บแ€Œแ€ฌแ€”), an agency of the Ministry of Planning and Finance. Operations run at Yangon International Airport (RGN), Mandalay (MDL), Nay Pyi Taw (NYT), the deep-sea port of Yangon (Thilawa Port and Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa), the growing port of Kyaukphyu (part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor), and land border crossings with China (Muse-Ruili), Thailand (Myawaddy-Mae Sot, Tachilek-Mae Sai), India (Tamu-Moreh), Bangladesh (restricted), and Laos.

The country has been in substantial political and economic turmoil since the February 2021 military coup, with substantial Western sanctions since 2021 affecting many aspects of cross-border trade. Foreign nationals require the Myanmar eVisa (obtainable through evisa.moip.gov.mm) or a traditional visa from Myanmar consulates.

Arriving travellers complete the Myanmar Customs Declaration at airport kiosks. The personal allowance is modest and applied inconsistently; declaration should include all valuables. Foreign currency above USD 10,000 must be declared.

For commercial imports, the Myanmar Customs Department operates the MACCS (Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System), launched in 2016 with Japanese technical assistance. Importers require an Import Licence issued by the Ministry of Commerce for most commercial goods โ€” a substantial administrative constraint. Following the 2021 political changes, additional foreign-exchange constraints and import-restriction lists have been imposed.

Myanmar's import-duty structure applies MFN per the Myanmar Customs Tariff, Commercial Tax of 5% (not strictly a VAT), and Specific Goods Tax on selected luxuries up to 30%.

Tariff policy: Myanmar is party to ASEAN AFTA, RCEP, and ASEAN-led FTAs. The EU EBA (Everything But Arms) has been partially withdrawn since 2020 with sectoral suspensions; US GSP has expired. Recent Western sanctions substantially constrain trade with the EU, US, UK, Canada, and other sanctioning jurisdictions.

Some product categories require additional clearance. The Myanmar Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates pharmaceuticals and food. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation handles SPS. The Ministry of Transport and Communications type-approves radio equipment.

Currency declarations are mandatory above USD 10,000 equivalent on entry or exit. Myanmar has substantial currency restrictions on outward remittances following the 2021 changes.

Some categories are strictly enforced: - Political publications critical of state institutions โ€” restricted. - Cultural artifacts and antiquities โ€” extensive export prohibition; enforcement of Buddhist relic and artifact controls. - Firearms and ammunition โ€” strictly restricted. - Drugs and narcotics โ€” severe penalties; Myanmar is a major source region for methamphetamine and opium, driving intensive drug-trafficking enforcement.

Myanmar's ruby, jade, and gemstone sector is notable but subject to substantial export-licensing constraints (and Western sanctions on the state gemstone enterprise MGE).

Postal-import handling is via Myanma Posts and Telecommunications. Postal infrastructure has been significantly disrupted since 2021.

Prescription-medication carriage follows a personal-use framework: prescribed medication accompanied by the prescription is generally accepted for personal-use quantities; controlled drugs require advance FDA authorisation.

Recent regulatory changes include the substantial Western sanctions regime in effect since 2021, the periodic imposition of additional import restrictions and foreign-exchange controls by the Myanmar authorities, the ongoing evolution of the trade relationship with China, and continuing operational uncertainty in some port and border-crossing facilities.

For authoritative current rules, travellers and importers should consult www.customs.gov.mm and evisa.moip.gov.mm.

Customs authority

Myanmar Customs DepartmentOfficial site

Duty-free allowances (arriving travelers)

CategoryAllowance
Alcohol2L
Cigarettes400
Personal goods valueUS$1500
Travelers aged 18+ may bring 2 L alcohol + 400 cigarettes / 100 cigars duty-free. Personal goods up to USD 1,500.

De minimis import threshold

USD EQUIVALENT

N/A

LOCAL CURRENCY

Commercial parcels assessed at value

AS OF

2023-01-01

Myanmar applies customs (0-40%) + Commercial Tax (5%) on imports. Sanctions context: EU + US + UK targeted measures since the 2021 military coup affect commercial trade.

Cash declaration

THRESHOLD (USD)

US$10000

LOCAL AMOUNT

USD

Arrival formalities

CURRENCY

MMK โ€” Myanmar kyat

DECLARATION FORM

Myanmar Customs Declaration

PRE-ARRIVAL SYSTEMS

STANDARD COMMERCIAL IMPORT DOCUMENTS

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Bill of lading or Air Waybill
  • Country of origin declaration (or Certificate of Origin for FTA preferential entries)
  • MACCS Myanmar customs declaration
  • Import licence (Department of Trade) for most commercial goods

Restricted categories

  • RESTRICTEDFirearms (military permit)
  • RESTRICTEDPharmaceuticals (FDA permit)
  • RESTRICTEDCultural property

Prohibited categories

  • PROHIBITEDNarcotics
  • PROHIBITEDCounterfeit goods
  • PROHIBITEDMaterials politically sensitive

Special notes

  • Sanctions context: targeted EU + US + UK measures on the State Administration Council since the 2021 coup affect commercial trade.
  • ASEAN + RCEP member.
  • Currency: Myanmar kyat (MMK); foreign currency tightly controlled.

Import documentation

  • โ€”Customs declaration form
  • โ€”FDA permit for medications

Posting restrictions

Myanmar Post and Customs Department handle inbound parcels at Yangon (RGN). Customs duty (0-40%) plus 5% Commercial Tax on parcels above the personal-import threshold. Sanctions context: EU + US + UK targeted measures on the State Administration Council since 2021 coup affect commercial mail. Prohibited mail: narcotics, counterfeit goods, materials politically sensitive. Pharmaceutical mail requires FDA permit.

Top documented rules

10 of 20

Active Free Trade Agreements

Airports

  • RGNYangon International Airport
  • MDLMandalay International Airport

Land borders

  • Thailand โ€” Mae Sai-Tachileik; civilian crossing limited since coup.
  • China โ€” Muse-Ruili; major freight crossing.
  • India โ€” Moreh-Tamu; Free Movement Regime suspended since 2024.
  • Bangladesh โ€” Teknaf-Maungdaw; restricted.
  • Laos โ€” Several remote crossings.

Leaving Myanmar

Natural gas, jade (subject to international sanctions on military-owned mines), agricultural products. Cultural property severely restricted.

PROHIBITED EXPORT

  • Buddha statues over 100 years old without permit

RESTRICTED EXPORT

  • Cultural property
  • Jade (sanctions context)

Regulatory timeline

  • Military coup; subsequent EU/US/UK sanctions on the State Administration Council and military-owned enterprises. consilium.europa.eu

Known scams

  • Currency declaration enforcement: undeclared US dollars or other foreign currency over US$10,000 may be confiscated on entry. Declare all currency on the arrival form. customs.gov.mm
  • Counterfeit-goods warning in Yangon and Mandalay markets โ€” luxury watches and electronics are commonly faked. Purchase branded electronics only from authorised retailers. travel.state.gov

DECLARATION FORM LANGUAGES

my, en

Top item rules for Myanmar

Source: rules indexed for Myanmar. See full rule list under the relevant traveling, posting, and importing hubs.

Frequently asked questions

How much alcohol can I bring into Myanmar duty-free?

Travellers arriving in Myanmar may bring 2 L of alcohol duty-free. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel. Travelers aged 18+ may bring 2 L alcohol + 400 cigarettes / 100 cigars duty-free. Personal goods up to USD 1,500.

How many cigarettes can I bring into Myanmar?

400 cigarettes per traveller (or proportionally less in cigars / tobacco). Above-limit tobacco must be declared.

Do I need to declare cash entering Myanmar?

Yes. Cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 10000 (USD) must be declared on arrival.

What is Myanmar's de minimis import threshold?

Commercial parcels assessed at value. Myanmar applies customs (0-40%) + Commercial Tax (5%) on imports. Sanctions context: EU + US + UK targeted measures since the 2021 military coup affect commercial trade.

Is VAT or GST charged on imports into Myanmar?

Commercial Tax 5% standard (not strictly a VAT); higher rates on luxuries up to 30%. Applied to imports. Currency restrictions and US/EU sanctions on selected sectors affect international shipments.

Can I bring prescription medication into Myanmar?

Prescription medicines for personal use are generally allowed in reasonable quantities (typically 30-90 days' supply), accompanied by the original prescription and ideally a doctor's letter. Some controlled substances need import authorisation. Verify with Myanmar Customs Department for your specific medicine.

Can I send gifts by post to Myanmar?

Gifts are accepted by post but are still subject to Myanmar's import rules. Tax-relief gift thresholds (where they exist) are typically much lower than commercial thresholds. Declare honestly on the CN22/CN23 โ€” undervaluation is treated as fraud.

What documents do I need to import commercially into Myanmar?

A customs declaration filed with Myanmar Customs Department, a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (AWB or B/L). Add a Certificate of Origin to claim FTA preferential duty. Sector-specific imports (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need additional permits.

What happens at Myanmar's red and green channels?

The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare. The red channel is for travellers carrying anything above allowances or any restricted goods. Spot checks happen at both. Lying or hiding goods can lead to seizure plus penalties.

What items are prohibited in Myanmar?

Narcotics; Counterfeit goods; Materials politically sensitive. See the full prohibited list on this page.

What items are restricted into Myanmar?

Firearms (military permit); Pharmaceuticals (FDA permit); Cultural property. Restricted items typically need a permit, certificate, or declaration. See the full restricted list on this page.

How do I declare goods on arrival in Myanmar?

Use the red channel at the airport. Most ports of entry into Myanmar accept either a paper declaration or, increasingly, an electronic declaration via an app or kiosk. Be ready to show receipts, prescriptions, or permits.

Can I bring food into Myanmar?

Most countries restrict animal-origin food (meat, dairy) for biosecurity reasons; sealed commercial packaged food is sometimes permitted. Verify with Myanmar Customs Department's agricultural / biosecurity authority before bringing food.

Can I bring vape devices or e-cigarettes into Myanmar?

Vape rules are changing fast worldwide; Myanmar may have specific restrictions, age limits, or outright bans. Verify on the current Myanmar Customs Department guidance before travel โ€” bans have grown markedly since 2023.

Can I bring medicines containing controlled substances into Myanmar?

Many countries require advance import authorisation for opioids, stimulants, and certain psychiatric medicines. Carry the original prescription, doctor's letter, and original packaging. For controlled substances, contact Myanmar's health authority before travel.

Are duty-free purchases on arrival counted in my allowance?

Yes. Duty-free purchases at the destination airport on arrival count toward your alcohol and tobacco allowance, even though they were purchased after immigration. Buying duty-free at departure rather than arrival does not bypass the allowance.

What happens if a parcel arrives over Myanmar's de minimis?

Above the de minimis, customs assesses duty and VAT/GST on the goods value (plus, in some regimes, freight + insurance). The carrier or postal operator usually clears it and bills the recipient. Recipients can refuse delivery if they don't want to pay.

Can I refuse to pay duties and return a parcel?

Yes. If you don't want to pay duties or taxes, you can refuse the parcel and the carrier will return it to sender or destroy it. This does not affect your tax record but means the goods don't enter Myanmar.

How long does customs clearance take in Myanmar?

Standard clearance for compliant parcels is typically same-day to a few days. Holds for incomplete declarations, biosecurity inspection, sanctions screening, or anti-counterfeit checks can take longer. Provide complete declarations to avoid delays.

Who do I contact if my parcel is held by Myanmar customs?

Your carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal operator) is the first contact โ€” they handle clearance on your behalf. If you need to deal directly with the authority, contact Myanmar Customs Department via the contact route on their official site.

What are common customs scams to watch for in Myanmar?

Watch for: fake "customs fees" demands by SMS or email; impostor officials at airports; unsolicited phone calls about a "stuck parcel"; payment requests by gift card. Real customs authorities do not ask for payment via SMS link or gift cards. See our scams page for documented patterns.

Verify against Myanmar Customs Department before acting on any answer. Customs rules change frequently.

More for Myanmar

Top inbound origins

Countries whose travelers most often arrive at Myanmar.

VERIFIED ยท 2026-07-01

Other countries in Asia Pacific

RULES5,339COUNTRIES85ITEMS111CARRIERS28GUIDES46UNIQUE SOURCES645LATEST VERIFICATION2026-07-26MethodologyChangelog