If registered online shops instruct customers to inquire about prices through the chat box, they will be prosecuted under the Important Goods and Services Act.

The warning was released during a ceremony to educate online shopkeepers about online sales registration and launch an eComReg System held at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Yangon on October 2.

The Ministry of Commerce issued Notification No. 51/2023, saying that the instruction must be followed by services and sales through the online system, whether in goods or services.

According to the notification, those who receive a registration certificate must take responsibility for the goods or services sold, providing simple information and assurances about it. Additionally, there must be responsibility and accountability for the quality of the goods or services sold, said U Htet Win Aung, assistant director of the ministry. 

"Goods must be sold in a transparent manner. It's currently in Myanmar's online trend. For example, if you're going to ask for the price of a commodity, you will be asked to come to the CB. Come to the chat box. I don't know why. I'm buying this product, and another consumer is buying the same product. When I am invited to come to the CB, I think they are going to have some intention of pricing. I mean if I'm acquainted with this account seller and if I buy a product from him, I might enjoy a reduced price. A commodity worth 100,000 kyats may be Ks80,000. Meanwhile, other might have to pay it for Ks120,000. It's not in accordance with Mathematics, and ‘come to the CB’ has become common in the Myanmar market. It is rather inconvenient,” he commented.

It is reported that if the recipient of a registration certificate is supposed to be committing an unlawful act during online sales, the relevant government departments and organizations are to report about it on a timely basis.