The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is a government body responsible for overseeing the country's agricultural and forestry sectors, It formulates and implements agriculture-related policies, manages natural resources, and ensures rural development to improve food security and reduce poverty.
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) is a government authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry mandated to implement the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine and ensure the health of plants and agricultural products in Laos.
To ensure sanitary and phytosanitary conditions with trade partners, the PPD has issued several policies and guidelines specific to the movement of seeds. Below are key phytosanitary regulations/guidelines for seed trade:
Figure 1. Process flow for the import of seeds
Pest risk analysis (PRA) is critical for seed-related trade in Laos. The country follows the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 38 “International Movement for Seeds” and ISPM 11, "Pest Risk Analysis for Quarantine Pests. Laos published a List Of Regulated Articles in 2011 that specifies which item requires PRA before importation.
The DoA and 17 Provincial Agriculture Sections are authorized to issue a Phytosanitary Certificate.
Action whether to approve or deny the application
As part of the phytosanitary inspection requirements, sample collection and laboratory analysis are required. The following accredited private and public laboratories conduct seed health testing for phytosanitary certification in compliance with the ISPM 45 guidelines.
Laos DoA is currently in the process of developing and adopting an e-Phyto and e-inspection system.
LAST UPDATED: November 10, 2024