On 24 October 2024, the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) under the State Administration Council (“SAC”) issued Order No. 82/2024 (“Order”) to regulate rice storage practices, leveraging the authority granted by the SAC’s Notification No. 231/2022 dated 19 December 2022. The Order mandates the registration of rice warehouses to enhance the efficiency of Myanmar’s rice industry.
Mandatory Registration for Warehouse Owners
Under the Order, owners of rice warehouses with a capacity of 25 tons or 2,500 baskets of rice or more must register their facilities through the MyRO digital platform (www.myro.com.mm).
MyRo
Myanmar Rice Online (“MyRo”), launched under a Public-Private Partnership (“PPP”) by the MOC, the Department of Consumer Affairs (“DCA”), and the Myanmar Rice Federation (“MRF”), aims to modernize and streamline the rice industry through digital technology. It provides a one-stop platform for stakeholders—farmers, traders, industrialists, buyers, experts, researchers, and consumers—to access information, services, and registration efficiently. Additionally, the MyRo facilitates implementing and monitoring national rice industry policies, fostering a systematic and technology-driven approach to managing the rice sector.
Procedures for Updates and Changes
Warehouse owners are required to:
- Reapply and pay applicable fees via the MyRO platform if they update their warehouse details after receiving registration approval.
- Comply with the revocation of prior registrations for modifications to warehouse size, with new fees payable for such changes.
Registration fees for rice warehouses based on the size of the warehouse are as below:
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Warehouse owners who fail to register within two months of the issuance of this order face potential consequences, including:
- Written notices issued by the authorities.
- Temporary suspension of business licenses, certificates, or approvals through coordination with relevant authorities.
As of January 2025, the two-month registration deadline, which ended on 24 December 2024, has passed. However, the MyRo is still accepting registrations. Authorities have issued notices to those who missed the deadline, temporarily easing enforcement by refraining from imposing fines or suspensions at this time. That said, it is strongly advised that registration be completed as soon as possible to avoid any future consequences.
Regulatory Oversight and Coordination
The registration process is managed by the DCA, which is responsible for approving applications and authorizing registrations upon the payment of prescribed fees as outlined in the MOC’s documentation.
The DCA plays a central role in:
- Monitoring and supervising compliance with the registration requirements.
- Coordinating with other government entities and business associations on the implementation of registration and storage processes.
Furthermore, the MOC or the DCA may issue additional conditions for warehouse owners as deemed necessary to support compliance and ensure the smooth functioning of the registration system.
Conclusion
This Order reflects Myanmar’s commitment to enhancing the rice industry through improved regulation and digital innovation. Rice warehouse owners are urged to comply promptly with the registration requirements to avoid disruptions in their operations and contribute to the broader goal of bolstering the country’s agricultural economy. Warehouse owners are advised to monitor any updates or additional conditions issued by the MOC, DCA, and MRF.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
