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Laos to Establish Ore Inspection Offices to Boost State Revenue

This Week

The Lao government has signed an agreement to establish ore inspection offices at seven key border checkpoints, aiming to strengthen quality control of mineral exports, increase state revenue, and curb losses from smuggling and fraud.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) signed the agreement with Lao Standard Control Ltd. on 3 December, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2025. The initiative addresses major gaps in the current mineral export oversight system.

Under existing procedures, ore inspection and quality verification occur only at the initial stages of export, creating vulnerabilities throughout the supply chain. Minerals can be smuggled, mixed with lower-quality materials, or substituted with high-value ores during transport to border crossings. 

Compounding these challenges, some mineral types require samples to be sent abroad for verification, a process that takes 14 to 21 days and incurs substantial costs.

“Establishing inspection offices at the export points will ensure timely, accurate, and controlled verification, safeguarding government revenue,” said Somchit Moungkhoun, Head of the MOF Office, during the signing ceremony.

Somchit Moungkhoun, Head of the Ministry of Finance Office. (Photo credit: Laos Economic Daily)

The initial phase will establish inspection offices at seven strategic locations: Boten International Border Checkpoint in Luang Namtha, Namkan International Checkpoint  in Xieng Khouang, the 3rd Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Naphao International Checkpoint in Khammouane, La Lai International Checkpoint in Salavanh, and Vang Vieng Railway Station (Vientiane Province) and Vientiane South Station (Vientiane Capital).

These locations were selected based on their importance as mineral export routes, according to MOF.

The project will operate on a two-year trial basis before assessing expansion to other points nationwide.

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