Free Trade Agreements are treaties that facilitate bilateral trade between two or more countries. Both Singapore and Cambodia are participants of many regional accords as ASEAN member nations, including the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)/ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).[1] The countries have also signed an agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on 20th May 2016. This will eliminate investment obstacles and increase commercial and trade activities between the two countries. [2]
Owing to these agreements, now it is easy to send a parcel from Singapore to Cambodia. However, there are some customs rules you should be aware of before starting business.
Cambodia’s customs rules
Radios, radio equipment or parts, telecommunication and communications equipment, radar equipment: transmitters/receivers
The consignee must obtain the license/import permit from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication of Cambodia (MPTC). This process may take 14 to 21 working days.
It may take an extra 5 working days for the General Department of Customs and Excises (GDCE) to approve the declared value and customs permission. Following that, the consignee must clear customs at the airport's Customs and Excise Branch.
Labels, price tickets for garments, textile articles, cotton (raw), fabrics (including samples, swatches), paper patterns for wearing apparel
For the garment industry, the consignee may request a tariff exemption at the customs office if the commodity is not listed in the CDC (Council for the Development of Cambodia) approved master list. Fees for documentation and processing at the customs office may be applicable.
Thereafter, the consignee must clear customs processing at the airport’s Customs and Excise Branch.
Foodstuffs (including grain)
Televisions, television equipment
License from the Ministry of Information is needed before processing for permit at the customs office. Consignees must obtain the license and permit prior to shipping via DHL network.
The form clearance process will take 2 to 3 working days.
Cosmetics, medical samples, medical/dental supplies and equipment
The consignee must first obtain a license/import permit from the Ministry of Health (MOH). This process will take 14 to 21 working days.
Further, the process of approval on the declared value and customs permit at the Department of Customs and Excises (GDCE) will take additional 5 working days. Following that, the consignee is required to process the customs clearance at the airport’s Customs and Excise Branch.
Antiques and work of art, films: entertainment (dvd, vhs), media storage device
New wooden or stone sculptures or statues require a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA). The process of receiving a permit will take around 14 to 21 working days.
Additionally, the process of approval on the declared value and customs permit at the General Department of Customs and Excises (GDCE) will take an additional 5 working days.
Before importing dvds or vhs, the concerned Ministry will screen the films or videos before giving an approval. This will take 21 to 28 working days. Subsequently, the consignee should process for customs clearance at the airport’s Customs and Excise Branch.
Electronic equipment
Animal products, animal skins, plant products, plants, seeds, coffee (including samples), tobacco & tobacco products
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) must provide a license/import permit, as well as a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin to ship these goods from Singapore to Cambodia. This procedure will take 14 to 21 days to complete.
Moreover, it will take an extra 5 working days for the General Department of Customs and Excises (GDCE) to approve the declared amount and customs permission. Following that, the consignee must undergo customs clearance at the airport’s Customs and Excise Branch.
Chemicals, non-hazardous, soil samples, oil products, stone/mineral samples for analysis, bunker oil sample (for analysis), coal & firewood (including samples)
The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy must issue a license/import permit to consignors (MIME) before shipping these goods from Singapore to Cambodia. This procedure will take 14 to 21 days to complete.
Thereupon, the General Department of Customs and Excises (GDCE) will have to approve the declared amount post receiving customs permission. It will take an extra 5 working days for that. Following that, the consignee must undergo customs clearance at the airport’s Customs and Excise Branch.
List of restricted commodities for import into Cambodia
Animal fur (real)
Antiques and work of art
Dangerous goods, hazardous or comb mats
Gambling device (including playing card)
Firearms, parts of
Ivory
Jewellery
Liquids, non-hazardous
Military equipment
Precious metals and stones
Pornography
Perishables (fruit/flower/vegetable)
Note: Goods related to national security, public order, decency and morality, human, animal, or plant life or health, and national treasures of artistic, historic, or archaeological value are prohibited and restricted commodities.
The import or export of these commodities must adhere to the current provisions of relevant Cambodian legislation.
Used computers, electronic devices or parts of electronic cigarettes (together with their parts and accessories) are prohibited for import.