Government has allowed import of essential items for COVID-19 prevention and control such as surgical masks, PPE, beds, ventilators and related equipment with the necessity to apply for import licences, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The ministry issued a negative list dated May 21 in 2019 which requires importers to apply for import licences. However, other items excluded in the list do not require import licences.

Myanmar is running short of medicines and medical equipment necessary for COVID-19 preventive measures and facing difficulties in importing them.

Import licences can be applied for on a fully-online basis as of April 1 this year.

“At the time of the COVID-19 outbreak, we consider which items have not been approved for online application. Now, medicines will be a one category. Others include fuel category and foodstuff category and so on. We launched online process on April 1. They don’t need to come to us. We have to reduce crowds,” said Min Min, director general of the Trade Department under the Ministry of Commerce.