Grow your business with the Discover newsletter
Logistics advice & insights straight to your inbox
Subscribe now
In Cambodia’s import and export landscape, accurate and complete shipping documentation is more than just a requirement — it’s the backbone of successful international trade. Whether you're a small business or a seasoned exporter, proper export-import shipping documentation is critical to avoiding costly delays, ensuring smooth customs clearance, and maintaining compliance with evolving import-export customs regulations.
Incomplete or inaccurate shipping documents for imports and exports can halt shipments at the border, leading to lost time, penalties, and reputational damage. Understanding the value of documentation and working with a seasoned logistics supplier like DHL Express may make all the difference for Cambodian companies entering international markets.
Every international shipment — no matter the destination — relies on the accuracy of its shipping documents. From export documentation to import documents, the right paperwork ensures your goods move efficiently through customs clearance procedures in Cambodia and abroad.
Essential documents for imports | |
|
|
Tip: To avoid these pitfalls, always double-check your export documents and work with a knowledgeable logistics partner like DHL Express.
This is the core document for customs. It serves as the bill of sale and contains critical data for calculating duties. A proper invoice must include:
Tip: Use DHL Express’ online shipping tools to generate your invoice. These tools require the necessary fields and prevent missing information. Always review it carefully and sign it before shipment.
This lists the contents of the shipment in detail (e.g., item quantities, weights, and packaging dimensions). Customs and freight handlers use it to verify what is in each box or pallet.
Keep it consistent with the commercial invoice. For example, if the invoice says 100 widgets, the packing list should also account for 100 widgets split into the correct number of cartons with matching weights.
This certificate confirms where the goods were manufactured. Under trade agreements, such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, the COO is often necessary in order to claim lower tariff rates. Cambodian customs will ask for a COO from an authorized body (e.g., Chamber of Commerce) when preferential rates apply.
Even with these basics, many shipments require extra paperwork. For example, Cambodia’s import rules require pre‑clearance certificates for controlled items – food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics need CamControl approval, and plants or animals need special health or phytosanitary certificates.
Check the official Cambodia National Trade Repository or consult DHL Express to see if your items fall under a regulated category. Arrange these documents in advance to avoid last-minute holds.
DHL Express Cambodia is your partner in navigating the documentation maze. We don’t just move parcels – we provide expert advice on which international shipping services and documentation you need. When you open a DHL Express business account, you gain access to built-in tools and support.
In Cambodia’s fast-evolving trade landscape, success in export-import shipping documentation hinges on getting your paperwork right. From the commercial invoice to the packing list, every document plays a crucial role in enabling smooth customs clearance and timely deliveries.
DHL Express stands by Cambodian businesses with reliable support, world-class international shipping services, and tailored guidance on all aspects of international document shipping. Ready to streamline your trade documentation? Open your DHL Express business account today and experience seamless, compliant, and stress-free overseas courier services.