ATIGA (ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement)

The Department of Standardization and Metrology (DSM) has been established by Ministerial Decree #0836 /MST on 21 December 2011.

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The DSM is a Governmental body under the Ministry of Science and Technology. DSM is the country's leading authority in the area of standardization, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment and related activities. In addition to supporting these highly technical specific activities, DSM's mission is to provide a host of credible technical services that support LAO innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that will contribute to the economic development of the country, improving the health, safety, environment and the standard of living of the Lao people.

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DSM, as a service provider will be guiding and creating awareness among the public and private sector of the value the National Quality Infrastructure as a tool to facilitate trade and economic growth.

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The DSM is committed to tackling the technical challenges of developing a national quality infrastructure that is based on international standards and conformity assessment procedures. DSM plans to promote the adoption and implementation of these international standards in order to take advantage of export opportunities within ASEAN countries in the short and medium term, WTO Member countries in the long-term and supporting domestic industry. 

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The Lao Department of Standardization and Metrology is currently improving existing and developing new calibration, testing and certification capabilities as part of a Lao National Quality Infrastructure. These services will be forthcoming in the near future.

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ATIGA (ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement)

Trading between ASEAN countries is governed by the ATIGA (ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement).  Click on this link to view the full text of the agreement:​

►ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement

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In order to take advantage of the CEPT preferential tariff in force between ASEAN member states, the origin of the goods must be proved according the Rules of Origin set out in Chapter 3 of the ATIGA.  For more information about these Rules of Origin click on this link:​

► Rules of Origin for the CEPT

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The ASEAN Secretariat has developed an interactive CD-ROM that explains to users how to determine the origin of goods in ASEAN, how to apply for a preferential Certificate of Origin in order to enjoy tariff concessions and it also provides useful information on the applicable ROO and tariff concessions for goods.  You can view the contents of the CD-ROM by clicking on this link.

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Free Trade Agreements (FTA)

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As a member of ASEAN, Lao PDR is a party to a number of Free Trade Agreements (FTA). These agreements are aimed at facilitating trade between ASEAN member states and the other countries signatories to the agreement.  The ultimate objective is a reduction of the tariff on all commodities to zero.  This elimination of Customs duties is implemented over time as a series of gradual reductions in the tariff.

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Each ASEAN member state has made a commitment to this reduction of tariff.  Click on the link below to view the tariffs applicable to each FTA and their reduction schedule. ​

► Free Trade Agreements