On 21 November 2025, the Department of Intellectual Property (“DIP”) under the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) introduced Geographical Indication (“GI”) Rules No. 103/2025, which provide comprehensive procedures for the registration, re-application, amendment, withdrawal, opposition, and cancellation of GI. These Rules function as subsidiary legislation to the Trademark Law 2019, under which geographical indications are principally regulated.
Key procedures include:
Who is eligible to apply for GI registration?
- Persons engaged in the production of goods that are produced from natural products or originated from natural resources;
- People involved in the production of agricultural products, such as crops, livestock, and other agricultural products;
- Persons engaged in the manufacture or production of handicraft articles or industrial articles, whether by traditional, handicraft, or industrial processes;
- On behalf of the persons under (a) to (c), authorities of relative government department, government organizations.
Registration of GI
Any applicant organization, including individuals and local or foreign entities, may apply for the registration of a GI by completing Form GI-1 in either the English or Myanmar language. The application must include proof of payment of the prescribed fee and all required supporting documents. Applications may be submitted electronically, in person, or via post.
Appointment of prepresentative
An applicant may appoint a representative using Form GI-2. The representative must be at least 18 years old, hold a citizenship scrutiny card, reside in Myanmar and meet the requirements set by the MOC. Applicants outside Myanmar must submit Form GI-2 duly notarized in their country of residence or jurisdiction.
Geographical indication logo
In accordance with the GI Rules, “DIP” is responsible for determining the GI logo for use on registered products or goods.
Applications for permission to use the GI logo must be submitted using the prescribed Form GI-10. Only persons who meet the required conditions are eligible to apply, namely those who:
- carry on business activities relating to the production or trade of the registered GI products or goods within the specified geographical area;
- hold membership in the applicant organization; and
- comply with all specifications and requirements set out for the relevant organization or entity.
Prescribed fee for registration
There has been no announcement of the government fees for GI registration. Additionally, the formal declaration announcing the start of GI application submissions in Myanmar is still pending.
