Under the circular, the import rate of zero percent will be applied to commodities of Lao origin, including rice of various kinds and tobacco leaves.

In addition, imported goods should have a certificate of origin (C/O), issued by an authorized office of the Laos People’s Democratic Republic and customs procedures cleared at border gates.

At the same time, Vietnamese entrepreneurs are allowed to import rice and paddy products under import quotas. For importers of tobacco leaves, they must have a license granted with quotas by the MoIT.

The circular will take effect as of January 1, 2012.