U Myint Lwin, director general of the department, said a directive will be released within a month for labels and instruction manuals of all imported products to be translated into Myanmar.   

“We’re working so that it can be released this week,” he said at a press conference at the minister’s office, adding that the directive is ready for release but some minor matters still need to be discussed.

The directive will take effect six months after its release. 

“We will grant a grace period of six months, during which importers need to work with foreign suppliers to meet the new requirement. This is a national duty,” 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 will eventually have to change it to a printed label. 

If importers fail to follow the directive after six months, they will face action, said U Swe Tint Kyu, a director of the department. 

“This will include revoking of licenses. We could also limit the time of goods distribution or take the products off the market,” he said.  

Moreover, errant companies will have to pay compensation if their products harm anyone. 

The need to include the Myanmar language in instructions is very important, especially for medicine, so that consumers can learn about allergic reactions and other side effects.