International Standards

Cambodia adopted the Law on Standards of Cambodia in 2007 to improve the quality of products, services, and management; raise and rationalize production efficiency; ensure fair and simplified trade; rationalize product use; and enhance consumer protection and public welfare.  Several government bodies and agencies share oversight and control over these standards:

- Institute of Standards of Cambodia (ISC) http://www.isc.gov.kh; 

- Ministry of Health;

- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries;

- National Standards Council (NSC);

- Ministry of Commerce.

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

The responsibility for establishing industrial standards and certifications resides with the ISC. Certification includes product standard compliance, product safety standard compliance, and production and service management system compliance. Not all imports require a certificate or license. Importers of regulated products, however, must request a certificate or a license before importing. To date, the ISC has not strictly inspected standard compliance or regularly certified product standards for both locally consumed goods and products for export. To date, it has never suspended, withdrawn, or revoked any product certificate or license. 

CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN

A Certificate of Origin is an official document used to certify the products originated, wholly obtained, produced or manufactured in a country. It is generally an integral part of import documents required by the imported countries.

At the time of carrying out the formalities for exporting the products under preferential treatment, the exporter or his authorized representative shall submit a written application for the Certificate of Origin together with appropriate supporting documents proving that the products to be exported qualify for the issuance of a Certificate of Origin. 

There are two type of Certificate of Origin: 

- Non-Preferential 

- Preferential

Countries which require the certificate of origin are the following:

- ASEAN-Australia- New Zealand: Certificate of Origin form AANZ;

- China: Certificate of Origin form AC;

- India: Certificate of Origin form AI;

- Korea: Certificate of Origin form AK; 

- Japan: Certificate of Origin form AJ; 

- Vietnam: Certificate of Origin form S; 

- General System of Preferences (LDC and LLDC): Certificate of Origin form A.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

The following is a list of the documents that are required when importing into Cambodia:

- import declaration form;

- commercial Invoice;

- packing list;

- pro forma Invoice;

- bill of lading / airway bill;

- insurance;

- certificate of origin (if required);

- license (if required. Goods shipped through Vietnam via the Mekong River must also have a transit licence).

LABELING

Camcontrol, a unit of the Ministry of Commerce is responsible for setting standards. The Ministry of Commerce requires foodstuffs to have a label including the following information:

- Name of goods;

- Producer name and address;

- Source;

- Quantity;

- Batch number and production date;

- Expiration date;

- Ingredients;

- Directions for use (if necessary);

- License of authorising institution (if required for local products).

IMPORT TARIFFS

There are three types of import duties and taxes in Cambodia:  

- customs import duties with an ad-valorem rate; 

- a special tax for certain goods;

- a value added tax (VAT).  

All imports are subject to a 10 percent flat VAT, but certain imports receive special preferences, such as under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). The following items are exempt from import duties (other than the VAT): agricultural equipment and inputs, school materials and equipment, pharmaceutical products, and sporting goods.

CONTACTS

General Department of Customs and Excise website: http://www.customs.gov.kh  

Ministry of Economy and Finance website: http://www.mef.gov.kh