Growing Cambodia's agricultural exports to the EU with Next-Gen Packaging

Cambodia experienced a 53% surge in agricultural exports¹ during the first nine months of 2024, highlighting the world's increasing appetite for high-quality Cambodian produce. The European Union (EU) accounted for 16.3%² of Cambodia's export volume in 2025, with agricultural products such as rice, cashew nuts, cassava starch, bananas and longans headed for Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium. DHL Express brings the logistics solutions needed for Cambodian businesses looking to bring their agricultural exports to a global market.

By leveraging DHL Express's services, exporters gain access to key benefits such as faster shipping and an unparalleled global reach spanning over 220 countries and territories. Additionally, DHL Express provides a suite of advanced logistics solutions tailored to agricultural exporters. We handle everything from efficient order fulfillment to reliable delivery, letting you focus on growing your business. Real-time tracking allows for you and your customers to follow agricultural produce from the moment they leave your premises, to when they arrive at the destination in perfect condition.

Cambodian businesses tapping into DHL Express's proven international shipping expertise can be confident that their products will arrive fresh and on time. 

How Next-Generation Packaging can unlock fresher produce

Next-Generation Packaging³, equipped with location tracking and temperature monitoring capabilities, is set to revolutionize agricultural exports from Cambodia by ensuring food exports arrive at their destination in optimal condition. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology allows for the continuous monitoring and calibration of the internal atmosphere of packaging during transportation and delivery. This lengthens the shelf life of perishable goods, preserving freshness and reducing wastage. 

This level of temperature control is crucial for Cambodian exporters looking to expand their presence in the European Union (EU) market. With trade between Cambodia and the EU experiencing a 20.6% year-on-year increase⁴ as of Q1 2025, Next-Generation Packaging can facilitate the import and export of agricultural products through advanced food logistics. Next-Generation Packaging also simplifies the process of shipping food overseas, enabling agricultural exporters to meet the strict quality standards and consumer demands of the valuable European market. By guaranteeing the freshness and integrity of their produce upon arrival, this technology helps to build trust and strengthen Cambodia’s position as a reliable supplier in the competitive European landscape.

Leveraging tech and shipping expertise to benefit Cambodian food exports

With over 30% of Cambodia's total crop production⁵ in 2024 funneled toward food exports, the nation is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the global agricultural market. To sustain this momentum and ensure profitability, Cambodian agricultural import and export businesses must leverage modern technology and logistics expertise.

Shipping food with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) significantly slows down the natural ripening and decay process by replacing ambient air inside packaging with a precise blend of gases. This extends the shelf life of food shipments such as fruits and vegetables, allowing them to withstand longer transit times without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, smart packaging with built-in temperature sensors allow for optimal temperature settings to be maintained, while real-time location tracking gives exporters full transparency over their shipments.

Cambodia’s position in the global food supply chain can be secured by exporters who enter new, profitable markets with confidence and establish a reputation for dependability through guaranteed freshness and quality.

Boosting Cambodian agricultural exports to the EU

US$2.4 billion worth of Cambodian exports flowed into the European Union (EU) in the first quarter of 2025⁶. Capitalizing on this lucrative market involves more than having accurate customs documentation, proper packaging and secure food shipping solutions. Strict food quality and safety regulations must also be adhered to when shipping food overseas. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) oversees all food-related risks and regularly tests agricultural imports for harmful substances such as pesticides. These strict import rules with respect to food hygiene ensure that all imports fulfill the same high standards as products from the EU itself. Not meeting these standards can result in hefty losses, such as those suffered by Cambodian rice exporters in January 2025, when 3,944 tonnes of rice were rejected by the EU for exceeding regulatory pesticide residue limits⁷. 

The following is a non-exhaustive list of documents needed for customs clearance in the EU⁸:

• Phytosanitary Certificates: These are needed for most fresh fruits, vegetables, other plant materials and products containing animal products.
• Incoterms®:  Also known as International Commercial Terms, Incoterms® set out the responsibilities of sellers and buyers in international and domestic shipping transactions.
• Customs declaration: This needs to be presented to your national customs authority. You may call upon the assistance of a customs representative if required.
• Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): This mandatory customs security document is required for all goods entering the EU. It provides customs authorities with detailed cargo information, allowing them to conduct risk assessments before the goods arrive.
• Single Administrative Document (SAD): This standardized customs declaration form simplifies and streamlines the process of declaring goods for import, export, and transit. 

Wondering what's the best way to ship food while meeting complex market-specific requirements and international shipping regulations? Get solid insights on how to meet EU VAT obligations here. Or consider partnering with a reliable logistics provider with a robust global network and mail food out with ease.

DHL Express – Your preferred partner for exporting agricultural products

Choosing DHL Express for your international shipping needs brings a multitude of advantages. Our well-established global network, spanning over 220 countries and territories, ensures your products reach their destinations promptly and securely. Our team of experts can provide guidance on the complex terrain of shipping regulations and customs procedures, facilitating a smooth export process.

Our commitment to innovation is a cornerstone of our service. We use cutting-edge technology to efficiently track and manage food shipments as part of our ongoing process optimisation. With this expertise, DHL Express ensures that agricultural exports are handled with the highest standards of supply chain management and logistics. The result is products that reach the market in optimal condition, retaining their freshness and quality. To further support exporters, we also offer international priority shipping for expedited deliveries that move quickly from dock to stock.

As an industry, Cambodia's fertile agricultural landscape presents significant opportunities for export to the international market. With the rising global demand for sustainable and organic food products, it is an opportune moment for Cambodia to harness these trends and elevate its agricultural sector to the international stage. As your logistics partner, DHL Express is devoted to aiding you in realizing this potential.

Take advantage of these opportunities by signing up for a DHL Express business account today.