Newly Enacted Decree on Seal No. 549/GOV, dated 26 August 2025
Written by: Oulayvone Banouvong | Lao Premier International Law Office
Purpose of the new Decree
- To govern and monitor the use of official seals in a proper, efficient, and transparent manner.
- To repeal and replace the Decree on Official Seals No. 322/GOV, dated 1 October 2018.
Key Amendments
- To specify the size and characteristics of the official seals of the relevant authorities.
- To administer and manage the engraving and use of official seals.
- Instead of the Ministry of Interior, all relevant authorities must report the seal utilization and administration activities to the Central Party Committee.
Effect on Corporations in the Lao PDR
Consistent with the provisions under the Decree on Official Seals No. 322/GOV, dated 1 October 2018, upon completion of the incorporation process, the competent Industry and Commerce authorities shall issue a request letter to the Ministry of Public Security for the carving, registration, and issuance of the permit for the use of the official seal to the corporation such as a company limited, a sole company limited.
In the event that the official seal is damaged, the corporation shall submit a written request to the Ministry of Public Security, providing an explanation of the cause of such damage, in order to obtain approval for the carving of a replacement seal.
Summary
The Decree on Seals No. 549/GOV, dated 26 August 2025, has been enacted with the objective of strengthening the legal framework governing the use of official seals, thereby ensuring accuracy, transparency, and uniformity across all levels of organizations. The Decree underscores the importance of safeguarding, supervising, and systematically monitoring the use of seals, while clearly delineating the roles, powers, and responsibilities of the competent authorities in accordance with prevailing administrative practices.
These measures are designed to enhance the protection and integrity of seal usage, thereby ensuring its authenticity, credibility, and legal validity under the Decree.