Sending a package to Myanmar: Customs, taxes and delivery time
From Germany to Yangon, Mandalay or Naypyidaw: How to properly prepare business shipments
Myanmar, situated between India, China, Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh, is an important market in Southeast Asia. For German companies, machinery, spare parts, electrical engineering products, medical products, and industrial equipment can be particularly attractive.
- Shipping from Germany to Myanmar
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Yangon and other regions
- Prepare customs and goods data digitally
- 5% Commercial Tax included
- Check import license before shipping
- Enter HS code and merchandise value correctly
- Check recipient and goods in advance
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In Myanmar, preparation determines whether imports are permitted.
For business shipments, the goods description, HS code, value of goods and import requirements should be clarified before collection.
The question of whether the recipient needs an import license for the specific goods is particularly important.
Check import license
Many goods may only be imported with a valid import license or import permit. Applications are submitted electronically via TradeNet 2.0.
Calculate 5% commercial tax
Myanmar does not levy a standard European value-added tax (VAT). Instead, many imported goods are subject to a commercial tax of typically 5 percent.
Don't forget the sanctions check
Before sending goods for business purposes, the goods, recipient and intended use should be checked, as Myanmar is subject to various EU export restrictions and personal sanctions.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Myanmar: Clarify importer and import costs beforehand
When booking shipping to Myanmar, it's important to clarify not only who pays the duties.
Equally important is the question:
Who is even allowed to import the goods?
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The recipient is generally responsible for import clearance and the agreed import costs.
This can include:
- Import duty
- Commercial Tax
- If applicable, Specific Goods Tax
- Import license fees
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
- other product-specific costs
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes further import obligations and agreed duties.
However, especially in the case of Myanmar, a DDP model should only be offered if it has been clearly clarified beforehand:
- who can act as an importer
- whether an import license is required
- whether the carrier supports DDP
- Which customs duty rate applies?
- which commercial tax applies
- whether additional permits are required
- whether goods and recipients are affected by sanctions
A Landed Cost Calculation This helps to consider transport and import costs together.
What is the import duty in Myanmar?
The amount of import duty depends on the specific goods.
Myanmar uses an eight-digit customs tariff system based on:
ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature, AHTN.
The current WTO data set shows an average applied MFN tariff for Myanmar of:
7,6%
.
The trade-weighted average is:
5,5%.
These values are only statistical averages. The tariff code for each individual shipment always applies. WTO Tariff and Trade Data
The following are particularly important:
- HS or AHTN code
- Product description
- cart value
- Country of origin
- possible preferential arrangements
- additional import regulations
The Mongolian method of "taking the average inch and hoping for the best" would be bad enough. It won't be any better in Myanmar.
Customs value based on transaction value
The basis for customs valuation is generally the actual transaction value of the goods.
If this cannot be used, other evaluation methods are available.
Therefore, in addition to the invoice amount, other costs may also be relevant for the calculation.
You can find out more at Calculate customs value correctly.
What import tax applies in Myanmar?
Myanmar does not have a value added tax system based on the European model.
Instead, there are:
Commercial Tax.
For many imported goods, the standard rate is:
5%.
For imports, commercial tax is generally levied on the so-called landed value. Tax exemptions or different regulations apply to certain goods. Additionally, special taxes may apply to specific product groups. Myanmar Trade and Investment Portal
Depending on the goods, the following may therefore occur:
- Import duty
- 5% Commercial Tax
- If applicable, Specific Goods Tax
- License fees
- severance pay
For example, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and certain other product groups are subject to special tax rules.
Therefore, a single percentage should never be applied to the invoice value as a lump sum for DDP calculations.
Commercial tax (regular): 5%
TradeNet 2.0 and MACCS: Myanmar is working with digital import procedures
Two electronic systems play an important role in imports into Myanmar.
TradeNet 2.0
is used for, among other things:
- Importer/Exporter Registrations
- Import licenses
- Import Permits
- Export licenses
- further trading licenses
.
To apply for an import license, one must, among other things, be a registered TradeNet 2.0 user and possess the required Importer/Exporter Registration Certificate. Myanmar National Trade Portal
The following are among the things checked during the license application process:
- HS code
- Product description
- Price
- Quantity
- cart value
- invoice or purchase agreement
- Further permits may be required.
The actual electronic customs clearance takes place via:
Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System, MACCS.
The system processes, among other things, import declarations, freight information, payments, and customs procedures. MACCS
For shippers, this means:
The data on the invoice, shipping label, customs declaration and import license should match exactly.
Sending a package to Myanmar: What companies should know beforehand
Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia and connects important markets such as China, India and Thailand.
The largest economic and trade center is:
Yangon.
Other important locations include:
- Mandalay ...
- Naypyidaw
- New
- Mawlamyine
- Thilawa
Yangon is particularly important for international goods deliveries.
Parcel and express shipments are often transported via international air freight networks.
For larger B2B shipments, however, sea freight and the port region of Yangon/Thilawa play a central role.
What documents do I need for Myanmar?
The following documents or information are typically required for commercial imports:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading, Air Waybill or Truck Note
- Import license, if required
- precise product description
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Certificate of origin (if applicable)
- FDA, SPS or other approvals, if applicable
Myanmar Customs lists invoices, packing lists, sales contracts, and transport documents as essential import documents. Additional permits may be required depending on the product.
A commercial invoice is used for a normal sale of goods.
For samples, replacement deliveries or other goods movements without a classic sale, a pro forma invoice can be useful.
Properly prepare exports from Germany as well
For commercial exports from Germany, additional export formalities may be required depending on the value of the goods and the procedure.
If a company commissions a service provider to handle customs clearance, a corresponding power of attorney may be required.
For more information, please visit Digital customs power of attorney: How to properly prepare EORI and signature.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Myanmar?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
8 to 14 working days.
Express shipments allow central destination areas to be reached significantly faster.
The DHL Express transit time table shows approximately the following for Myanmar, depending on the service:
2 business days
in the international main route. Actual delivery may take longer due to customs clearance or import permits. DHL
Additional time should be planned, especially for:
- missing import license
- incomplete documents
- product-specific approvals
- Customs inspections
- Recipient locations outside major economic centers
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL currently lists the following for Myanmar:
English
as a permissible language for the customs declaration. DHL
The product description should be formulated as specifically as possible.
Not:
“Machine Parts”
but for example:
“Stainless steel shaft coupling for industrial packaging machine”
This makes the material, product, and intended use much easier to identify.
Write the address to Myanmar correctly
DHL recommends using Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible format is:
MYANMAR INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.
NO. 43 BO AUNG GYAW STREET
YANGON 11181
MYANMAR
Phone number and email address should also be provided.
This makes it easier to contact DHL with questions regarding customs clearance and delivery.
These errors are delaying shipments to Myanmar
In Myanmar, incomplete product data is particularly problematic because the same information is often required for both the import license and customs clearance.
Typical causes for delays include:
- The import license was not checked in advance.
- The recipient does not possess a suitable import registration.
- HS code does not match the import license
- The product description is too general.
- Invoice value and license value differ
- Packing list missing
- Additional product approval was overlooked.
- Recipient is unreachable
- No sanctions review was conducted.
Especially with long international transport routes, the recipient should also be informed about the shipping status at an early stage.
Automated messages can help reduce follow-up questions and request necessary documents more quickly.
You can find out more at Proactive shipment updates for international deliveries.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Myanmar?
Myanmar imports a wide range of technical and industrial products.
The following goods may be particularly relevant for German companies:
- Machines and production facilities
- Machine spare parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Measurement and testing technology
- Pumps and water technology
- medical devices and accessories
- IT and communication technology
- Tools
- car parts
- Production and packaging technology
Electronic devices and computers are also imported into Myanmar.
For such products, it should also be checked whether special permits, technical regulations or transport requirements apply.
A correct customs tariff number is particularly important in this regard.
Myanmar uses the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature, or AHTN for short, for its customs classification.
You can find out more at Determine the correct customs tariff number.
Shipping information: Myanmar
Standard, express or freight to Myanmar
The most suitable shipping method depends on the size, value, and urgency of the shipment.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical shipments, an international parcel service can be used.
DHL Parcel currently states:
8 to 14 working days.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts, documents, or production materials, express delivery can be significantly faster.
However, the potential duration of import clearance should also be taken into account here.
Freight shipping
Machines, pallets and larger quantities of goods can be transported by air or sea freight.
For large shipments of goods, the port region of Yangon/Thilawa is particularly relevant.
Yangon and Thilawa are the most important trading hubs
Myanmar has several seaports.
However, by far the most important international access point is:
Yangon Port.
According to the Myanmar Port Authority, more than 90 percent of the country's normal imports and exports are handled through the Yangon port region. mpa.gov.mm
The port region essentially consists of:
- Yangon Inner Harbour
- Thilawa Outer Harbour
Thilawa has several modern container, multi-purpose and industrial terminals and is located near major commercial and industrial areas.
This region can therefore be particularly relevant for larger machines, project cargo or containers.
In contrast, parcel and express shipments are often forwarded via Yangon by air freight.
Which route makes sense depends on several factors, including:
- Weight
- Volume
- Recipient region
- Type of goods
- Delivery time
- Import permits
What import costs might arise in Myanmar?
Import costs can consist of several components.
Depending on the product, this includes:
- Import duty
- Regular 5% Commercial Tax
- If applicable, Specific Goods Tax
- Import license fees
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
The WTO average of 7,6 percent does not provide any reliable information about the specific product.
Different customs duties may apply to machinery, electronics, or consumer goods.
Therefore, the specific AHTN tariff position should always be used.
How much does a package to Myanmar cost?
The shipping price depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Carrier
- Standard or express shipping
- Target region
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
- possible surcharges
Additionally, surcharges may be imposed by individual carriers due to the specific trade policy situation.
DHL Express currently lists Myanmar, for example, among the countries for which a corresponding surcharge may be applied due to national trade restrictions.
Therefore, the current carrier tariff should always be used for an accurate calculation.
Online trade to Myanmar: Planning customs and communication together
Online retailers can also sell goods to Myanmar.
However, the recipient's ability to import should be given greater consideration than with many classic e-commerce destinations.
In addition to the price of the goods and shipping costs, the following may apply:
- Import duty
- Commercial Tax
- other product-specific taxes
- Handling fees
In addition, there may be import license or approval requirements.
Therefore, retailers are advised to communicate as transparently as possible even before the order is completed.
For international shipments, tracking data can also be automatically transferred to shop, ERP or customer systems.
You can find out more at Tracking webhooks for automated shipping information.
EU sanctions must also be taken into account in the case of Myanmar.
For deliveries to Myanmar, a customs inspection alone is not sufficient.
The European Union has extended its existing restrictive measures from April 2026 until:
April 30, 2027
extended.
The measures include, among other things, listed persons and organizations, as well as certain export bans and restrictions.
Currently under the EU sanctions regime are:
105 people and 22 organizations.
These entities are subject to, among other things, asset freezes and prohibitions on providing them with direct or indirect economic resources. Council of the European Union
In addition, there are restrictions on, among other things:
- Weapons and related equipment
- Equipment that can be used for internal repression
- certain surveillance and communication technology
- Dual-use goods for military or certain government end users
For normal civilian goods, this does not automatically mean a general shipping ban.
However, before a business delivery, the following should be considered:
- Recipients
- End users
- Commodity
- Usage
will be reviewed against current foreign trade regulations.
This testing is particularly important for electronics, communication technology and dual-use products.
Which carrier is suitable for Myanmar?
For shipments from Germany to Myanmar, various international parcel, express and freight providers are available, depending on the type of goods.
For example, the following can be used:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS or partner networks
- FedEx and its partner networks
- international air freight partners
- Sea freight forwarders
However, not every service provider offers the same services for every shipment.
Therefore, the following should be taken into account when making a comparison:
- Price
- Runtime
- Customs clearance
- Import license support
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Recipient region
- Trade restrictions
Especially for more complex third-country destinations, a centralized shipping process with several possible carriers is therefore worthwhile.
Further information can be found at Send international shipping worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Myanmar?
Yes. Goods can generally be shipped from Germany to Myanmar. Since Myanmar is outside the EU, complete customs information is required. Additionally, any applicable import licenses and foreign trade restrictions must be checked.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Myanmar?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time of 8 to 14 business days. Express shipments can be significantly faster. However, the actual delivery time also depends on import clearance, import license, and destination region.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Myanmar?
Myanmar does not levy a value-added tax (VAT) like the European system. Instead, a commercial tax of 5 percent is applied to many goods on the relevant import value.
What are the customs duties in Myanmar?
The specific tariff rate depends on the respective AHTN tariff heading. The WTO currently lists an average applied MFN tariff of 7,6 percent. The actual rate for individual goods can differ significantly from this.
Do I need an import license for Myanmar?
That depends on the specific goods. Many products require an import license or import permit. These are usually applied for via the electronic TradeNet 2.0 system.
What is TradeNet 2.0?
TradeNet 2.0 is the Ministry of Commerce's electronic system for trade registrations and import/export licenses. During the application process, the HS code, product description, price, quantity, and value are among the data checked.
What is MACCS?
MACCS stands for Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System. This electronic customs system is used for import, export, and other customs processes.
What documents do I need for Myanmar?
Typically, a commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping documents are required. Depending on the goods, an import license, certificate of origin, FDA approval, or other certificates may also be necessary.
Which language should I use for the customs declaration?
DHL currently lists English as the acceptable language for the customs declaration for Myanmar.
Can I ship DDP to Myanmar?
DDP can depend on the carrier and the import situation. Beforehand, importer status, import license, customs duty rate, commercial tax, any other applicable taxes, and sanctions and export control requirements should be checked.
Are there EU sanctions against Myanmar?
Yes. The EU has extended its restrictive measures until April 30, 2027. These measures affect specific individuals and organizations, as well as individual goods and uses. Ordinary civilian goods are not categorically prohibited, but must be assessed based on the recipient, the goods themselves, and their end use.
Which port is particularly important for freight to Myanmar?
Yangon is the most important international port city. The port region includes Yangon Inner Harbour and Thilawa Outer Harbour, among others, and handles the vast majority of regular foreign trade.
