Myanmar enacts Construction Development Law

27 March 2026

On 4 February 2026, Myanmar enacted the Construction Sector Development Law (Law No. 5/2026) (“Law”). The Law will come into force on a date to be notified by the Office of the President.

The Law applies broadly to construction-related activities across Myanmar, including the construction, expansion, renovation, maintenance, and demolition of basic structures. Buildings constructed of wood and bamboo are expressly excluded from its scope.

The Law introduces a registration regime for individuals and companies providing construction-related services. Such services must be registered with the competent authority and carried out in compliance with applicable building laws. The registration requirement covers a wide range of activities, including building services, construction consultancy, project management, quality control, architectural and engineering services, as well as third-party organisational review of construction works.

Non-compliance with the registration requirement is subject to criminal penalties. Individuals or companies providing services without registration may be punished with imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine of up to MMK5 million, or both.

The Law also imposes quality control requirements on construction materials. A quality assurance certificate (“QAC”) is mandatory for construction materials that are imported, manufactured, or distributed in Myanmar. Any person who imports, manufactures, distributes, or sells construction materials without a QAC is liable to imprisonment of up to five years, or a fine of up to MMK 50 million, or both, and the relevant materials may be confiscated.