Imported goods in Myanmar face possible removal from the market if they don’t carry labels and instruction manuals in the country’s national language within six months, according to the Consumer Affairs Department.
U Myint Lwin, director general of the department, said a directive will be released within a month requiring labels and instruction manuals of all imported products to be translated into Myanmar.
He told local media the directive is nearly ready and will be released as soon as some minor matters have been reviewed and finalized.
The directive will take effect six months after its release.
Importers have a six-month grace period in which to work with their foreign suppliers to meet the new requirement, U Myint Lwin said.
The directive is in line with the 2014 Consumer Protection Law, he said, adding that in the first stage, imported products can display instructions on a sticker but must eventually change the sticker to a printed label.
Importers who fail to follow the directive after the grace period is up may be meted sanctions that include revoking their license, limiting the time of goods distribution, or taking their products off the market.
Moreover, non-compliant companies will have to pay for the damage should their products cause harm to consumers.
The need to include the Myanmar language in instructions is very important, especially for medical products, so that consumers can learn about allergic reactions and other side effects.
Photo: Yoav David
