Laos Customs Declaration Leaves the Paper Era Behind: What Do You Know about NSWA+ Electronic System?

老挝报关告别纸质时代：NSWA+电子系统你了解多少？

ການແຈ້ງພາສີລາວອຳລາຍຸກເຈ້ຍ: ເຈົ້າເຂົ້າໃຈລະບົບ NSWA+ ເອເລັກໂຕຣນິກຫຼາຍປານໃດ?

Published: 2026-09-10 · LaoPaniti legal guides

Friends doing import and export business in Laos, are you still running around with stacks of paper customs declaration forms? Since October 1, 2022, Decision No. 3009 of the Ministry of Finance of Laos has officially taken effect, and customs declaration management has fully shifted to the NSWA+ electronic system. This means that paper customs declaration documents are gradually phased out, and electronic declaration has become the mainstream.

Who Must Use NSWA+? How to Register?

According to the "Decision on Customs Declaration Management Using the NSWA+ Electronic System" (No. 3009/Ministry of Finance), all individuals and organizations engaged in the import and export of goods must first apply to the Customs department for registration as a "customs declarant" (ordinary customs declarant or customs broker) before they can use the NSWA+ system for customs declaration.

The NSWA+ system is connected to the ASYCUDA system and is used to submit tax notifications in both simplified and detailed customs declarations. In simple terms, tasks that previously required going to the window and submitting paper documents are now completed online. Electronic information in the system is considered official documents under the Law on Electronic Transaction and has the same legal effect as paper documents.

Electronic Signatures, Electronic Storage: Don't Overlook These Details

Article 3 clarifies that electronic signatures that have been properly registered (in accordance with the Law on Electronic Signature of 2018) have the same legal effect as the signatures and seals of declarants and customs officers. So, don't think electronic signatures are "not formal" – they are completely legal and valid in Laos customs declaration.

Additionally, Article 5 requires declarants and customs officers to store information and customs declaration documents in electronic form as evidence for subsequent review or inspection. This means your electronic records are legal evidence and must be properly preserved.

If you have your own electronic ordering, cargo tracking, or other systems that are consistent with the customs declaration information, you can also apply for direct integration with the customs system (Article 6) to reduce the hassle of duplicate entry.

Fees and Pilot Phase: Don't Rush to Nationwide Implementation

Using the NSWA+ system is not free. Article 7 stipulates that declarants must pay the Laos National Single Window (LNSW) service fee and the ASYCUDA system service fee at the rates determined by the Presidential Decree of 2021. For specific amounts, consult the Customs department.

It is worth noting that Article 8 mentions that the NSWA+ system will first be piloted at the Thabok and Thanaleng international customs checkpoints for 3 months, and after evaluation, nationwide promotion will be considered. Therefore, not all border checkpoints currently mandate the electronic system, but the trend is set.

If you are handling import and export customs declaration in Laos, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the NSWA+ operation process as soon as possible and confirm whether you have registered as a customs declarant.

Want to know more specific operational details? Feel free to ask the AI for free at 老法智 LaoPaniti, available 24/7.

This article is compiled by 老法智 LaoPaniti and is for reference only, not constituting legal advice.

FAQ

I am an individual who occasionally sends samples from Laos abroad. Do I also need to register as a customs declarant?

According to the law, all individuals and organizations engaged in the import and export of goods must apply to the Customs department for registration as customs declarants before using the NSWA+ system for declaration. Even individuals, as long as they are involved in the import or export of goods, generally need to register. For specifics, consult the Customs department.

Are electronic documents in the NSWA+ system legally valid?

Yes. According to Article 2 of the Decision on Customs Declaration Management Using the NSWA+ Electronic System, the NSWA+ system is considered an official system, and the electronic information and documents within it are equivalent to paper documents under the Law on Electronic Transaction.

Do I have to pay to use the NSWA+ system? How much?

Yes. According to Article 7 of the Decision, declarants must pay the LNSW service fee and the ASYCUDA system service fee at the rates determined by Presidential Decree No. 002/POL dated June 17, 2021. For specific amounts, please consult the Customs department.

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