The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has revoked the import licences of six vehicle-importing companies, immediately barring them from importing four-wheel vehicles. A notice issued on 14 October did not give a reason for the decision.

The ministry named GMS Trading, Shacman Truck Laos, Zaha Trust Trading & Service, PA Trading Import-Export Sole Co., Ltd, Sunny Machinery Sole Co., Ltd, and Hongfa Chalernyoun.

The six companies can no longer import vehicles in any four-wheel category. However, those wishing to resume imports can submit the required documents to the ministry’s Foreign Trade Department for approval.

Petrol and Diesel Imports Already Restricted

The licence revocations come as Laos tightens restrictions on petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles. A separate government ban on these imports took effect on 1 June and remains in place until the end of 2026.

The ban aims to encourage the shift to cleaner vehicles, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support the development of charging infrastructure. Exemptions apply to several categories, including passenger transport vehicles, machinery, trucks used for specific production and development projects, and specialised professional vehicles.

Previous Import Restrictions

The latest decision follows earlier restrictions on vehicle imports. In July 2024, the ministry stopped accepting new applications for vehicle import-export licences until the end of that year.

A month later, it temporarily suspended imports of light motor vehicles valued at more than USD 50,000, including SUVs, sedans, vans, and pickup trucks. The measure aimed to ease pressure on foreign currency reserves, narrow the trade deficit, curb imports of substandard vehicles, and control inflation.