The Illegal Trade Eradication Steering Committee is actively overseeing efforts to combat illegal trade and penalize those involved, as frequently reported in State media. The primary goal of these efforts is to reduce the influx of illicit and smuggled goods, thereby protecting the integrity and productivity of legitimate trade operations. To achieve this, officials from one-stop service (OSS) centres and special task forces are tasked with effectively intercepting and seizing illegal imports and exports in accordance with the law.
Illegal trade has far-reaching consequences, impacting various sectors of the economy and the environment. In May and June 2024, the Customs Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, managed to seize a significant amount of illegal goods. Authorities from the Mandalay Region recorded the highest number of seizures, followed by the Sagaing Region and Shan State. The confiscated items primarily included unregistered vehicles and vessels, intermediate goods, and consumer products. These operations were carried out by teams comprising both departmental officials and local authorities.
Notably, it is necessary to recognize dutiful service personnel and informant people in actively combatting illegal trade with the allocation of rewards as quickly as possible. As such, officials need to disseminate knowledge about the danger of the illicit trade against the State and private economy to the people.
On a global scale, many countries are implementing Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) to ensure the importation of quality goods. However, Myanmar has been slow to adopt such measures effectively. Despite the establishment of 26 standardization technological committees and the issuance of 819 Myanmar standards approved by the National Skill Standards Authority (NSSA), the authorities have struggled to enforce these standards due to a lack of mandatory regulations.
In response to this challenge, the Ministry of Commerce formed a task force in June 2024 to coordinate and implement NTMs. During the third meeting of 2024 held by the Illegal Trade Eradication Steering Committee on 1 August 2024, the committee urged the ministry to issue notifications to relevant departments to enforce the standards for imported goods. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the control and quality of imported commodities, ultimately supporting the fight against illegal trade and protecting the country’s legal industries.
During the limited time frame, it is necessary to raise tariffs on imported goods so as to reduce illegal trade and encourage the long-term existence of domestic industries. Moreover, the e-Lock Phase 2 must be implemented continuously in order to restrict illicit trade measures.
Notably, it is necessary to recognize dutiful service personnel and informant people in actively combatting illegal trade with the allocation of rewards as quickly as possible. As such, officials need to disseminate knowledge about the danger of the illicit trade against the State and private economy to the people.
