MYANMAR: Online Customs Clearance System Approved for National Use During Pandemic

As a temporary measure to support businesses during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the customs department has announced that importers will be able to secure online customs clearance for their goods on a national basis. This can be secured via the Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System (MACCS), the country’s existing online customs clearance system. Prior to the announcement, the system – which connects the country’s National Single Window to the ASEAN Single Window data sharing network – could only be used to secure clearance at specified customs entry points in Yangon, the country’s commercial capital, including the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, the Yangon Airport International Cargo Terminal and the city’s international ports.

The wider use of MACCS will allow importers to claim preferential import duty benefits under the terms of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) by submitting electronic versions of the relevant Certificate of Origin (ATIGA e-Form) instead of the paper-based Form D. This facility, however, will only be available until 31 May this year, after which date importers will be obliged to submit physical copies of the original supporting documents. In the event of any discrepancy, traders will be required to pay any unpaid duties in full.