Business people will find it simpler to import goods to Laos if a new prime ministerial decree on import procedures is enforced.

The new legal document, which Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh signed in July, also aims to move Lao import procedures closer to the rules and regulations of the World Trade Organisation.

The reforms form part of the main conditions for the country to become a member of the global trade group.

The ministry of industry and commerce is now drafting a list of the goods which business people will be required to seek permission from authorities to import.

This is seen as part of efforts to improve clarity for those importing goods and raw materials to production bases in Laos .

Business people said they had faced difficulties in importing goods to Laos in the past, as there had been no clear official guidelines.

Many of the businesses said they had to pay a lot of money to get import permission from officials.

According to the decree on import procedure, the new legal framework is scheduled to become effective in September.

One of the main benefits that importers will receive from the new decree is that they will be able know the location and process for requesting permission to import the goods.

According to the decree, only the ministry shall be authorised to grant import permission to business people.

However in some cases, the good importers must get agreement from other sectors concerned to import some goods.

For example, importation of explosive materials for construction work requires an approval from the ministry of national defence.

The importers should be able to gain import permission within 10 days after submitting a proposal.

Provision of slightly inaccurate import information will no longer necessitate extra payments or delays, in so far as information is largely correct and is not judged to be part of a deliberate attempt to misguide officials.

This will relate to description, weight, and value of the goods as prescribed in the import permission, according to the decree.

The move aims to dissuade officials from graft and corruption, using the minor mistakes in supplied information as the reason for extra payments.

According to the decree, the government will have the right to allocate quotas of imports to maintain balance of goods circulating the markets.

Business people who want to import the goods on which the government has issued quota limits will be treated equally to ensure fair business competition.

Those who submit proposals to import the goods mentioned in quota lists will be considered on a first-come first-served basis, with a consideration period of 30 days.

The authorities must consider proposals of business people to import the goods fairly and equally if they receive the proposals at the same time, according to the decree.