Official Reopening of Pangwa Border Gate in Kachin State Still Pending, but Goods Transport Allowed Under Taxation System

Pajau Media

16 June, 2025

Although the Panwa border gate in Kachin State has not yet officially reopened, local sources report that goods are being allowed to pass through as long as taxes are paid according to set procedures.

A local woman from Pangwa explained that this system has been in place since the second week of May. “The gate isn’t officially open yet. But goods are being allowed through using the same methods as during the COVID period. Transport is permitted, for example, by separating trucks carrying raw goods from those carrying processed goods. If a raw goods truck carries processed items, taxes must be paid. If the load exceeds the specified weight, taxes are also charged. Transport costs are high,” she said.

According to locals, during the COVID-19 period, Chinese cargo trucks were also separated by type of goods and taxed accordingly. Although the gate has not officially reopened, the same system is currently being used.

Additionally, only goods and people traveling to China for medical reasons are allowed to pass through the Panwa border gate, while other travel remains restricted. The KIO government has also not yet issued passports for border crossing.

“The KIO government said they would issue border crossing passports, but so far, they haven’t. At the moment, crossing is only allowed with a permit, not a passport. Regular travel is still not permitted. Only goods and people seeking medical treatment are allowed to cross,” the woman added.

Previously, the Panwa border gate allowed limited transport, but since the second week of May, goods have been transported under a taxation system with set regulations, without restrictions on the amount.

Similarly, on May 26, the KIO held a joint border gate opening ceremony at Kanpaiti on the China-Myanmar border, announcing that goods passing through the joint gate would be taxed as international exports, while goods entering through the Sadone gate would be taxed as domestic imports.

At other KIO-controlled border gates, such as Laiza and Lweje, only food and essential household goods are currently allowed to be imported.

News by: Hpring