On 5 February 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (“MONREC”) set service fees for submitting environmental assessment reports and management plans. Under Section 42(b) of the Environmental Conservation Law (“ECL”), MONREC authorizes the Environmental Conservation Department (“Department”) to implement these fees for project proponents in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures (“Procedures”).

Under Section 21 of the ECL and Rules 62 of the Environmental Conservation Rules (“ECR”), any project or project expansion by ministries, government departments, organizations, corporations, local authorities, companies, or individuals that may impact the environment must obtain prior permission. These projects, including field sites, factories, and businesses, must conduct an Initial Environmental Examination (“IEE”), an Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”), or develop an Environmental Management Plan (“EMP”) and obtain an Environmental Compliance Certificate (“ECC”) as per the Procedures.

Environmental assessment reports and management plans must be submitted to the Department in both digital and paper copies, along with the prescribed service fee as required by the Procedures. The newly introduced fees are intended to standardize the submission process and enhance administrative efficiency. Payments must be made to Account No. MD-012207 of the Department under MONREC via the Myanmar Economic Bank in Nay Pyi Taw. The applicable fees are as follows:

Implications for Project Proponents

Project proponents undertaking projects that require environmental assessments must allocate budgets for the newly established fees as part of their compliance obligations. Adherence to the Procedures remains essential for obtaining environmental approvals. To avoid potential delays in project approvals, project proponents should ensure the timely submission of the prescribed fees along with the required documentation.

The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.