Global Sales Potential: Learning how to start international shipping for small businesses opens a projected $8 trillion e-commerce market in 2026.
Streamlined Registration: Register your business with the Ministry of Commerce and General Department of Taxation to start exporting. This simple online process unlocks new borders for your products.
Price Clarity: Use the My Global Trade Services tool to calculate total landed costs and protect your margins.
Customer Loyalty: Use On Demand Delivery (ODD) to reduce cart abandonment by up to 23% by offering flexible delivery windows.
Small and medium businesses are changing global trade. In 2026, Cambodian enterprises are shipping artisan silk products and agricultural components from workshops in Phnom Penh to global hubs every day. With the global e-commerce market expected to exceed $8 trillion this year, your next best customer could easily be in Japan, South Korea, or Europe. Finding a logistics partner who understands Cambodia and can turn borders into gateways allows you to focus on your products and your growth.
To begin exporting, you need a key from the government to unlock the border for your business. The first step is to register your company with the Ministry of Commerce and then get your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the General Department of Taxation. These are essential steps for any formal business in Cambodia.
Your legal baseline checklist:
Business ID : Secure your business registration from the Ministry of Commerce and your Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the General Department of Taxation.
Tax Profile : Ensure you are registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) as this is fundamental for formal exporting.
Customs Registration : All exporters must be registered with the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) to submit declarations for their shipments.
Permits : Depending on your product, you may need specific export permits or a Certificate of Origin from the Ministry of Commerce, especially if you plan to use preferential trade agreements.
Speed and visibility are now standard requirements for international customers. A cheap shipment that takes three weeks can lead to customer complaints and damage your brand's reputation, losing you future sales. As your partner, we handle the complex border clearances at hubs like Phnom Penh Airport while your package is still in the air, ensuring a smooth and fast journey.
Feature | DHL Express | Standard Shipping Services |
|---|---|---|
Speed | 1 to 3 businetd days | 10 to 21 business days |
Tracking | Real-time, milestone-based | Limited or "last scan" only |
Customs | In-house brokerage included | Third-party (can cause delays) |
Reliability | 99-percent on-time delivery | Highly variable |
By using MyDHL+ , you get a shipping workstation that remembers your products and customers. The system guides you through the process step-by-step and helps you prepare the right labels and documents for every destination, making your export process simpler and faster.
This is the most important document that customs agents use to determine the duties and taxes on your shipment. Vague descriptions are a common reason for delays at the border. Using the My Global Trade Services tool can help you find the correct Harmonised System (HS) Code for your product, which is vital for accuracy.
Detailed Descriptions: Write "Women's 100% Hand-woven Silk Scarf" instead of "Clothing". For businesses exporting high-value goods like silk, accurate descriptions are crucial to comply with the destination country's regulations, such as Japan's rules on product quality and representation.
Accurate Values: List the actual transaction value of your products, even if they are samples. This is a legal requirement.
HS Codes: Use the MyGTS tool to find the specific codes for your products. This helps avoid overpaying duties and prevents customs complications.
Currency: State clearly if the value is in USD or KHR (Cambodian Riel). As many transactions in Cambodia are in USD, being clear on your invoice is very important.
The shipping price is only one part of the total cost of getting a product to your customer. You must also account for the duties and taxes that will be charged by the destination country's government. The total of all these costs is the landed cost, and it's the final price your customer is concerned about.
Many international customers now expect to see these costs included at checkout. You can choose to ship Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means you pay these taxes on behalf of your customer. This creates a better experience by preventing surprise bills at their door and helps build a trustworthy reputation for your brand.
The cost breakdown:
Shipping Fee: The cost of transport from your door to theirs.
Duties: A tax on imported goods that varies by product type and origin.
Taxes: Local consumption taxes like VAT or GST that are applied at the border.
Insurance: A small premium that we recommend to protect your shipment against loss or damage.
Your first international shipment is a powerful marketing opportunity. The speed and control you offer define your brand's image in a new country. Understanding how to start international shipping for your small business means thinking carefully about this final-mile experience for your customer.
On Demand Delivery (ODD) lets customers in over 150 countries choose how, where, and when they receive their package. They receive a notification on their mobile phone that allows them to reschedule a delivery or redirect it to a more convenient location.
Why global customers love ODD:
Choice: They can pick a delivery day when they know someone will be home.
Security: They can authorise a Signature Release, allowing us to leave the package in a designated safe spot.
Convenience: They have the option to collect their package from a local shop while they are out running errands.
Sustainability: By reducing the number of second-attempt deliveries, we lower the carbon footprint of each shipment.
Run through this simple list before every shipment to ensure a smooth journey. A good checklist helps you avoid common mistakes made by new exporters.
Check the Weight: Ensure your Actual Weight matches your Volumetric Weight.
Verify the Address: Double-check the postal code and address format for international destinations.
Pack for the Journey: Use a strong, double-walled box and plenty of cushioning to protect your products.
Secure Documents: Attach three copies of your completed Commercial Invoice in a clear, waterproof pouch to the outside of the box.
Don't wait for a peak season like Khmer New Year (Apr) to test and fix your supply chain. It's better to start with small shipments and scale up as your confidence and business grow. Global trade is a marathon, and we are here to support you every kilometre of the way.
The world is waiting for your product. If you rely on basic shipping services, you are leaving your brand's reputation to chance. A professional and reliable logistics approach is the only way to scale your business effectively in 2026.
Take a moment to review your current shipping times and any customer feedback you have received. If you are seeing high cart abandonment rates or complaints about delivery, it may be time to change your partner. We are here to help you build a reliable and simple path to your first international sale and beyond.
Start by completing your business registration with the Ministry of Commerce and the General Department of Taxation. Then, choose an express partner like DHL to help manage border clearances. It's also important to find the correct customs codes for your products to ensure duties and taxes are calculated accurately.
For most goods in Cambodia, a specific "Export Licence" is not required. Instead, your business must be formally registered with the Ministry of Commerce and tax authorities. For certain restricted goods, a special permit from the relevant ministry is needed before you can export.
Use the My Global Trade Services tool for a precise estimate of shipping fees, duties, and taxes. This helps you price your products accurately for international markets and ensures there are no surprises for you or your customer.
We highly recommend it, especially for your first few international sales. Insurance provides peace of mind and protects your investment while you are learning the process of global trade.
Choose our GoGreen Plus service to help reduce the carbon footprint of your shipments by using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This is a great way to appeal to environmentally conscious customers around the world.
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