Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Dino Santaniello
Laos Issues Updated Law on Intellectual Property
On March 1, 2024, the Lao official gazette published the newly amended Law on Intellectual Property No. 50/NA, dated November 20, 2023 (the “2023 Law on IP”). The timing of this update is consistent with Laos’ history of providing regular revisions to the country’s IP legislation since the enactment of the first Law on Intellectual Property by the National Assembly in 2007 (the “2007 Law on IP”). These revisions include amendments in 2011, 2017, and now 2023.
Fintech Law In Southeast Asia
The adoption of financial technology, or fintech, solutions has grown rapidly across Southeast Asia in recent years. As increasing numbers of consumers enjoy uninterrupted connections to online services through mobile phones and other devices, both new and existing financial service providers have introduced technological innovations that make it easier for their customers to manage their financial activities.
Laos Reinstates 10% VAT Rate
Laos has returned its value-added tax rate to 10% from the 7% rate that had been observed for the last two years. The new rate was specified in Ordinance No. 003/PDT, dated March 19, 2024, and announced on the website of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.
Laos Reinstates 10% VAT Rate
Laos has returned its value-added tax rate to 10% from the 7% rate that had been observed for the last two years. The new rate was specified in Ordinance No. 003/PDT, dated March 19, 2024, and announced on the website of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.
Laos Details Procedures For Condominium Ownership And Operations
On February 1, 2024, Laos' Decree on Condominiums No. 352/GOV took effect. This decree expands on the Law on Land (2019), which introduced the concept of condominiums into the Lao regulatory framework and opened the possibility for foreigners to own apartment units (redefined as "condominium units"—see below). The Law on Land revolutionized concepts of property ownership and investment in a country where foreign ownership is still uncommon.
Laos Details Procedures for Condominium Ownership and Operations
On February 1, 2024, Laos’ Decree on Condominiums No. 352/GOV took effect. This decree expands on the Law on Land (2019), which introduced the concept of condominiums into the Lao regulatory framework and opened the possibility for foreigners to own apartment units (redefined as “condominium units”—see below). The Law on Land revolutionized concepts of property ownership and investment in a country where foreign ownership is still uncommon.
Laos Updates the Law on Commercial Banks
On October 13, 2023, Laos’ official gazette published the amended Law on Commercial Banks No. 39/NA dated July 17, 2023. The amended law came into effect on September 15, 2023, following its promulgation by the president of Laos. Below are some of the significant changes. Registered Capital Under the amended law, the minimum registered capital for establishing a commercial bank has been increased from LAK 500 billion (approx. USD 24.2 million) to LAK 1 trillion (approx.
Regulatory Update On Foreign Currency Use And Exchange In Laos
Over the past two years, Laos has experienced a sharp depreciation in the value of the kip (LAK) against foreign currencies. To thwart this depreciation and get its currency back on track, the government took a series of measures and issued the Law on Foreign Exchange Management No. 15/NA of July 7, 2022 (the "FX Law") to improve management of the foreign currency and reiterate restrictions on foreign currency in the country.
Laos Implements Medical Device Registration And Notification Requirements
New regulatory requirements for medical device registration and notification in Laos are set to enter into force in the coming weeks under the plan found in Notification No. 9606 to implement Decision No. 1470/MOH on Registration and Notification of Medical Devices (Decision 1470).
Regulatory Update on Foreign Currency Use and Exchange in Laos
Over the past two years, Laos has experienced a sharp depreciation in the value of the kip (LAK) against foreign currencies. To thwart this depreciation and get its currency back on track, the government took a series of measures and issued the Law on Foreign Exchange Management No. 15/NA of July 7, 2022 (the “FX Law”) to improve management of the foreign currency and reiterate restrictions on foreign currency in the country.
Laos Implements Medical Device Registration and Notification Requirements
New regulatory requirements for medical device registration and notification in Laos are set to enter into force in the coming weeks under the plan found in Notification No. 9606 to implement Decision No. 1470/MOH on Registration and Notification of Medical Devices (Decision 1470).
Commercial Real Estate Law In Southeast Asia
The commercial real estate sector in Southeast Asia is a dynamic and innovative space, but businesses also face an array of complex legal challenges. With real estate investments transcending borders and regulations, businesses in the region confront a legal environment that demands a clear understanding of the rules and procedures in each jurisdiction.
Laos Raises Excise Tax Rate On Certain Products
On October 9, 2023, Laos issued Presidential Decree No. 003, which raised excise tax rates for certain goods, effective immediately. The move to increase excise tax rates comes amid the marked depreciation of the Lao kip (LAK). The Lao government is trying to monitor and discourage imports of non-essential products in order to reduce the outflow of foreign currency from the country. Increasing the tax rate for some of these products is part of these efforts.
Laos Adds to List of Goods Requiring Import-Export Registration
Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) has added to the list of goods subject to the country’s recently imposed import-export registration requirement. Traders who import or export goods on the expanded list, which was issued in MOIC Notification No. 1941 on September 18, 2023, must first obtain a certificate authorizing their import or export activities.
Laos Adds To List Of Goods Requiring Import-Export Registration
Laos' Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) has added to the list of goods subject to the country's recently imposed import-export registration requirement. Traders who import or export goods on the expanded list, which was issued in MOIC Notification No. 1941 on September 18, 2023, must first obtain a certificate authorizing their import or export activities.
Lex Mundi Global Merger Notification Guide 2023 – Laos, Myanmar, Thailand - Corporate and Company Law - Thailand
Attorneys from Tilleke & Gibbins have prepared the Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand sections of the recently released Global Merger Notification Guide from Lex Mundi. The guide provides answers to key questions related to the merger notification requirements in jurisdictions of Lex Mundi member firms in 57 jurisdictions around the world.
Laos Issues Medical Device Regulation
Laos' Ministry of Health (MOH) has promulgated a regulation detailing registration and notification protocols for medical devices. Decision on the Registration and Notification of Medical Devices No. 1470/MOH will come into force on September 9, 2023. Registration of medical devices in Laos is mentioned in the country's Law on Drugs and Medical Products No. 07/NA, dated December 21, 2011, but a registration procedure has not been put in place.
Laos Expands Oversight Of Import-Export Activities With Banking Registration Requirements
Laos has expanded its registration requirements for importers and exporters by mandating additional registration and financial procedures. Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) Decision No. 677, which was issued on July 24, 2023, requires importers and exporters to register with the BOL and to open a dedicated commercial bank account for their import-export business activities.
Laos Approves Minimum Wage Increase
On August 16, 2023, Laos' Prime Minister's Office issued Notice No. 1502/PMO, which increases the minimum wage for all workers in Laos. This increase is a continuation of the stepped increases in the minimum wage that began in mid-2022. The recent notice increases the minimum monthly wage from LAK 1,300,000 (approx. USD 66) to LAK 1,600,000 (approx. USD 82), in accordance with an agreement reached in the government's ordinary session in July 2023.
Laos Details Products Subject To Import-Export Registration Requirement
Following Laos' announcement requiring importers and exporters to register with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), the MOIC has released a comprehensive list of products that are subject to the registration requirement. Traders that import or export goods on the list, which was finalized on June 9, 2023, and made public on June 28 in MOIC Notification No. 1224, must register with the MOIC by August 31, 2023, to obtain a certificate authorizing their import or export activities.
Laos To Require Registration Of Import-Export Activities
On May 25, 2023, Laos published Decision on the Registration of Importers and Exporters of Goods No. 0752, which requires importers and exporters to register their activities and the related goods with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC). The MOIC's goal is to create a database to monitor imports and exports and collect data on the flow of goods in and out of Laos.
Minimum Wage Increase in Laos
On April 20, 2018, the Lao Prime Minister’s Office issued Notification No. 560/PMO which raises the minimum salary in Laos from LAK 900,000 (approximately USD 110) to LAK 1,100,000 (approx. USD 133) per person/per month. The minimum salary increase will become effective as of May 1, 2018. This salary increase has been scheduled for a long time, but was delayed by discussions between different stakeholders over the value of the increase.
Thailand: Laos Approves Hemp-Related Activities
On December 28, 2022, the Ministry of Health of Laos issued Decision No. 3789/MOH on the Control of Hemp for Medication and Products (the “Decision”). The Decision approves the regulated cultivation, extraction, production, processing, storage, distribution, utilization, import-export, and transport of hemp. The Decision also authorizes the use of hemp and hemp-related products by the general population, although use of certain products is limited to those with medical prescriptions.
Laos Approves Hemp-Related Activities
On December 28, 2022, the Ministry of Health of Laos issued Decision No. 3789/MOH on the Control of Hemp for Medication and Products (the “Decision”). The Decision approves the regulated cultivation, extraction, production, processing, storage, distribution, utilization, import-export, and transport of hemp. The Decision also authorizes the use of hemp and hemp-related products by the general population, although use of certain products is limited to those with medical prescriptions.
Responding to a Data Breach in Southeast Asia
When your company suffers a data breach, taking prudent, careful action can limit and perhaps even rectify some of the damage. First of all, it is important to document everything, starting with the time the data breach was discovered. Secure the data systems and preserve all evidence so that investigators can determine what happened, and begin following the protocol that all companies handling personal data should have in place to guide their data breach response.
Regulations for foreign banks in Southeast Asia
REGULATIONS FOR FOREIGN BANKS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA The rapidly growing middle class in Southeast Asia is bringing with it increased household wealth, increased consumption, and increased investment. As a result, the commercial banking sector has seen a boom in the more economically developed countries of the region--especially in Thailand.
Laos Raises Minimum Wage
On June 13, 2022, Laos' Prime Minister's Office issued Notification No. 829/PMO modifying the country's minimum monthly wage. The notification calls for two increases over the next 11 months. The first increase will occur on August 1, 2022, when the minimum monthly wage will become LAK 1,200,000 (approx. USD 81). The second increase, to LAK 1,300,000 (approx. USD 88) will take effect on May 1, 2023.
VAT Reduced To 7% Under Amendments To Lao Tax Laws
In the last week of December, 2021, the Ministry of Justice published the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Laws on Tax No. 01/NA, dated August 7, 2021, in the Government Gazette. The Law will come into force on January 1, 2022. The most notable amendments relate to Value Added Tax (VAT), which are summarized below. The new law also makes changes to the laws on tax management, income tax, and excise tax, which Tilleke & Gibbins will provide updates on in due course.
VAT Reduced to 7% under Amendments to Lao Tax Laws
In the last week of December, 2021, the Ministry of Justice published the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Laws on Tax No. 01/NA, dated August 7, 2021, in the Government Gazette. The Law will come into force on January 1, 2022. The most notable amendments relate to Value Added Tax (VAT), which are summarized below. The new law also makes changes to the laws on tax management, income tax, and excise tax, which Tilleke & Gibbins will provide updates on in due course.
Parallel Import Enforcement In Southeast Asia
To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Parallel imports-branded goods imported into a domestic market and sold there without the consent of the intellectual property (IP) owner-pose a unique challenge for IP owners.
Laos Sets Out Rules For Securing Investment Promotion Incentives
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic: Laos Sets Out Rules For Securing Investment Promotion Incentives 22 June 2021 by Dino Santaniello and Saithong Rattana Tilleke & Gibbins To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Laos has issued important new guidelines on obtaining investment promotion incentives in the country.
Updated Regulations On Filing Patents And Petty Patents In Laos
Thailand: Updated Regulations On Filing Patents And Petty Patents In Laos 04 June 2021 by Napagate Triratana , Patthama Chainok and Dino Santaniello Tilleke & Gibbins To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Laos' Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) published its Decision on Patents and Petty Patents No. 1714/MOST, dated December 15, 2020, in the Official Gazette on December 23, 2020.
Fintech Law In Southeast Asia
To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. The adoption of financial technology, or fintech, solutions has grown rapidly across Southeast Asia in recent years. As increasing numbers of consumers enjoy uninterrupted connections to online services through mobile phones and other devices, both new and existing financial service providers have introduced technological innovations that make it easier for their customers to manage their financial activities.
Consumer Protection Associations In Laos Introduced Under New Regulations
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic: Consumer Protection Associations In Laos Introduced Under New Regulations 01 April 2021 Tilleke & Gibbins To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. The practice of business operators taking advantage of Lao consumers has always concerned Lao authorities, especially because the application of the country's consumer protection regulatory framework has been restricted and unfamiliar to the country's civil society.
Laos Issues New COVID-19 Control Order
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic: Laos Issues New COVID-19 Control Order 01 April 2021 Tilleke & Gibbins To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. On December 23, 2020, the Prime Minister's Office issued Notification No. 1414/PMO to continue implementing measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 in Laos from the date of issuance to January 31, 2021.
Laos Issues Consumer Protection Decision For Telecommunications And Internet Services
Thailand: Laos Issues Consumer Protection Decision For Telecommunications And Internet Services 30 March 2021 by Dino Santaniello and Naiyane Xaechao Tilleke & Gibbins To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.
Laos Addresses Use, Treatment, And Disposal Of PCBs In Electric Transformers
To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. On January 20, 2021, Laos published its Decision on the Management, Monitoring, Treatment, and Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Transformers No. 5925/MONRE, which entered into force 15 days after its publication.
Laos Provides Much-Needed Clarity On Patents
Thailand: Laos Provides Much-Needed Clarity On Patents 10 March 2021 by Dino Santaniello , Napagate Triratana and Patthama Chainok Tilleke & Gibbins To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. A new regulation in Laos provides significant practical clarity on procedures and contingencies related to patents and petty patents.
Decree On Consumer Protection In The Financial Sector In Laos
To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Background On May 8, 2020, the Lao Ministry of Justice published the Decree on Consumer Protection regarding Financial Services No. 225/GOV, dated April 6, 2020, in its online Official Gazette. The decree was drafted by the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), which is the central bank in Laos.
Snapshot: foreign investment law and policy in Laos | Lexology
Law and policy Policies and practices What, in general terms, are your government’s policies and practices regarding oversight and review of foreign investment? The general rule is that a 100 per cent foreign-owned investment is accepted under Lao law. There are no restrictions on foreign investment in Laos, except as otherwise specified.
Consumer Protection Associations in Laos Introduced under New Regulations | Lexology
The practice of business operators taking advantage of Lao consumers has always concerned Lao authorities, especially because the application of the country’s consumer protection regulatory framework has been restricted and unfamiliar to the country’s civil society. For example, the main piece of legislation, the Law on Consumer Protection no. 02/NA, dated June 30, 2010, enunciates a series of broad principles that are too general to be implemented effectively.
Fintech law in Southeast Asia | Lexology
2020 Tilleke & Gibbins www.tilleke.com page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1 4 7 10 14 Cambodia Laos Myanmar Thailand Vietnam CAMBODIA A s the use of fintech in Cambodia continues to flourish, technology developers should look to existing frameworks established by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia (SECC) for guidance on best practices.
Laos Issues New COVID-19 Control Order | Lexology
On December 23, 2020, the Prime Minister’s Office issued Notification No. 1414/PMO to continue implementing measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 in Laos from the date of issuance to January 31, 2021. This comes amid a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries, and the transmission of the virus to individuals entering Laos.
Laos Opens Real Estate Investment Opportunities To Foreigners
To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. On August 12, 2020, the amended Law on Land No. 70/NA, dated June 21, 2019 was published in the Official Gazette of the Lao Ministry of Justice, replacing the previous amendment of the law from 2003. The new law introduces significant changes to the country's current real estate regulatory framework, and provides legal means to boost investment in and development of the country's real estate sector.
Amended Law on Insurance in Laos | Lexology
The newly amended Law on Insurance was published in the Electronic Official Gazette on March 30, 2020, and has been in effect since April 15. Existing insurers are allowed three years to comply with the new requirements, as provided in the amended law. As for insurance and reinsurance companies not yet established in Laos, new insurance business licenses remain suspended under a 2016 notification.
Laos Extends Exemption from Visa Overstay Fines | Lexology
On April 17, 2020, the Immigration Department of Laos’ Ministry of Public Security issued Notification No. 752, which states that, further to the extension of the lockdown measures by the Prime Minister (see here for more information), the Immigration Department will also extend the terms of Notification No. 740, issued on April 7, 2020 (see here for more information), relating to exemption from fines for visa overstay during the lockdown period in Laos.
Laos: Temporary Suspension of Business Licenses in Certain Industries
Laos has attracted substantial foreign investment in recent years, which has contributed to a surge in the establishment of legal entities, both local and foreign. However, the Lao government has noted that a number of legal entities have not actually been operating business activities in the country, nor have they fulfilled minimum requirements set out in relevant regulations.
Laos: Anti-Corruption Laws Key to Economic Development
Global Investigations Review - The law and practice of international investigations
Laos Introduces Major Amendments to Law on Investment Promotion
To view this article you need a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader. If you can't read this PDF, you can view its text here. Go back to the PDF . The Law on Investment Promotion No. 14/NA (LIP) became effective in Laos on April 19, 2017, and replaces the Law on Investment Promotion No. 02/NA, dated July 8, 2009, and its Decree on the Implementation of the Investment Law (2009) No. 119/PM, dated April 20, 2011.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Dino
Contact Dino, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack