Guide to Prohibited and Restricted Imports in Cambodia

When you import goods in Cambodia, you need to understand the difference between prohibited and restricted goods. In general, prohibited goods are strictly forbidden. Attempting to import these products can lead to immediate seizure, fines, and even criminal prosecution. On the other hand, restricted goods require specific permits from relevant government agencies before they can be brought within Cambodia. 

The Law on Customs (2007) grants the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) the authority to control the movement of goods and collect duties including the power to prohibit and restrict imports. This authority stretches 1,537 tariff lines under Sub-Decree No. 209, (Anukret No. 209 ANK.BK).

In this guide, we’re going to break down what you need to know about navigating these categories. We’ll explain the regulations, provide the context you need to stay compliant, and help you ensure your goods reach their destination without a hitch.

Key Difference Between Prohibited vs. Restricted Goods

Under the Law on Customs, goods are categorized based on their impact on national security, public health, and the environment. Here are key differences between prohibited vs restricted goods in Cambodia: 

The Law on Customs also outlines General Goods. These are items requiring standard documentation (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading) without additional ministerial oversight.

Identifying Your Goods via HS Codes for Restricted Items

Harmonized System (HS) codes is an 8-10 digit code system that aligns with the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN). Every item has this code that tells global Customs what exactly it is. In Cambodia, it determines: 

1. The rate of Import Duty (ranging from 0% to 35%).
2. The Special Tax rate.
3. Whether the item is Restricted and which permit is needed.

Within the ASYCUDA World system, the HS code serves as the primary “trigger.” When a customs declaration is filed, the system automatically checks the HS code against the list of prohibited and restricted items. If a code falls under Sub-Decree No. 370, the shipment is automatically routed through the “Red Channel” for manual inspection and permit verification.

It is important that you specify the right HS codes on your Customs Declaration. Even unintentionally misclassifying a product is considered an offense. For example, if you use an HS code for a “General Goods” that’s actually “Restricted”, the GDCE will treat it as an attempt to bypass ministerial oversight.

Items Banned from Import (Prohibited)

The Cambodian government maintains a zero-tolerance policy for items that threaten social order or the environment. Under Sub-Decree No. 370 (Anukret No. 370 ANK.BK) the following products strictly prohibited:

1. Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances: Illegal drugs and certain controlled chemical precursors are strictly banned. The only exception is for medical grade pharmaceuticals, which fall under the “Restricted” category and require Ministry of Health approval.
2. Cultural Artifacts and Antiques: The unauthorized export of Cambodian cultural property is a crime. However, the import of certain cultural artifacts from other countries requires proper international certification.
3. Hazardous Waste and Toxic Chemicals: Cambodia prohibits the import of various types of industrial waste, used batteries, and certain toxic chemicals that do not meet international safety standards (like the Basel Convention).
4. Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Vehicles: Since Cambodia drives on the right side of the road (with left-hand drive vehicles), the government banned the import of right-hand drive cars and trucks several years ago to improve road safety. While there was a grace period for conversion in the past, current regulations make it nearly impossible to import. 
5. Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: importing fake “knock-offs” such as designer bags, pirated software, or counterfeit electronics under Cambodia’s Intellectual property (IP) protection.

Goods Requiring Special Import Permits (Restricted)

Restricted goods represent the majority of specialized commercial imports. Common examples include finished pharmaceutical products, specialized medical equipment, processed food items, fertilizers, and radio-frequency devices such as industrial Wi-Fi routers. You must secure authorization from the relevant ministry before your goods reach the Port of Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh International Airport.

To import regulated goods in Cambodia, you need to know which Ministry issues the needed permits. Each Ministry operates its own specific set of standards, often requiring unique technical documentation. This includes safety data sheets for chemicals or clinical trial data for medicines, etc., that must be vetted before a permit is issued. 

A. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

To import pharmaceuticals and medical devices in Cambodia, you need to register your products with the Ministry of Health. This process involves proving the safety and efficacy of your goods through technical documentation and laboratory testing. Once registered, you obtain a Marketing Authorization and apply for a separate import permit for every specific shipment. 

Here are some examples of healthcare products and their requirements:

Category	Examples	Required Registration/Approval
Prescription Drugs (Modern)	Antibiotics, Cardiovascular meds, Oncology drugs	Full ACTD Registration + GMP Certificate + CoA per batch
Over-the-Counter (OTC)	Paracetamol, Aspirin, Cough syrups	ACTD Registration (Simplified) + Import Permit
Health Supplements	Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics	Product Notification/Registration + Label Review
Medical Devices (Class A)	Bandages, surgical masks, mechanical wheelchairs	Notification via National Single Window (NSW)
Medical Devices (Class B/C/D)	MRI machines, pacemakers, surgical implants	Full Technical File (CSDT) + Import Permit
Cosmetics	Skincare, makeup, shampoo	Product Notification + Ingredient Safety Check

B. Food, Animals, and Agricultural Products

The food supply chain in Cambodia is heavily regulated to protect the nation’s agricultural economy and public health. Registration and pre-clearance are essential for ensuring that imported biological matter does not devastate local ecosystems or cause foodborne illness outbreaks.

Here are typical food and agricultural products that are restricted in Cambodia: 

• Plants and Seeds: Require a Phytosanitary Certificate to ensure they don’t carry pests that could ruin Cambodian crops.
• Meat and Animal Products: Require Veterinary Certificates from the country of origin.
• Processed Foods: Must meet labeling requirements and often require a “Product Receipt” or “Certificate of Analysis.”

You can obtain these certifications from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Commerce (CCF/Camcontrol). 

C. Telecommunications and Radio Equipment

If you’re planning to import smartphones, drones, or industrial radio equipment, you would need a Type Approval Certificate from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC). You also need to obtain a subsequent Import Permit from the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC). 

The process involves a technical review of the product’s frequency ranges and power output to ensure they align with the National Radio Frequency Allocation Table. Failure to secure these documents prior to arrival often results in the MPTC blocking the customs release, regardless of the shipment’s commercial urgency.

D. Chemicals and Industrial Raw Materials

For industrial-grade chemicals or chemical precursors (ingredients) used in garment production and construction, you need to adhere to requirements set by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI). This ensures that potentially hazardous substances are tracked from the point of entry to their final industrial application, preventing their diversion into unauthorized uses.

To successfully import these materials, businesses must fulfill the following Import Requirements:

• Certification of Items and Quantities: Apply for this certificate through the Institute of Standards of Cambodia (ISC) or MISTI’s Single Window.
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS): a comprehensive safety sheet detailing chemical properties, hazards, and handling procedures.
• Annual Production Plan: a detailed plan outlining the standard use of the chemical within your facility.
• Usage Reports: Maintain and provide reports on the consumption of previous imports to justify the need for new quantities.
• Signed Declaration of Intent: A formal statement confirming the intended industrial application of the substance.
• Full MISTI Registration: Commercial volumes require the importing entity to be fully registered with MISTI as an industrial user.

These approvals are primarily used to monitor chemical safety in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where high volumes of raw materials are processed.

For more information about restricted goods in Cambodia and needed requirements, contact Emerhub’s local experts. 

Regulations for Used Goods and Second-hand Items

Cambodia is a primary destination for factory relocations within the ASEAN region. However, the government has imposed strict regulations on importing second-hand items to prevent the country from being a dumping ground for obsolete technology. 

Here are some regulations about importing used goods that you should know about:

• Manufacturing Machinery: Generally, used machinery should not be older than 10 years. Equipment exceeding this limit is typically prohibited unless it is for a high-value industrial project with specific technical justification.
• Used Electronics: The import of used computers, monitors, and spare parts for resale is largely prohibited under environmental protection laws. Only specialized IT equipment for internal corporate use may occasionally be imported as restricted goods with MPTC approval.
• QIP Exemptions: If your project is registered as a Qualified Investment Project (QIP) through the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), you may receive exemptions on import duties and more flexibility on machinery age. This is possible if the equipment is essential for production and is not classified as “prohibited” under environmental sub-decrees.

Why an Importer of Record (IOR) is Essential

For many foreign companies, it can be a challenge to manage all the administrative requirements from different ministries for restricted goods. As a solution, Emerhub’s Importer of Record service can help you streamline the importation process. 

By using our IOR, you can:

• Avoid Local Entity Setup: Trade in Cambodia without the immediate need to register a local company.
• Ensure Compliance: We handle the HS classification and ministerial permits on your behalf.
• Speed to Market: Ship goods immediately while your long-term corporate structure is being finalized.

With our IOR, we can bypass the months-long process of obtaining individual ministerial registrations. For instance, if you need to import specialized medical equipment alongside Wi-Fi-enabled industrial sensors, you typically would need separate licenses from MoH and MPTC. With our IOR, we will use our existing licenses to clear your goods through customs. 

Talk to our local experts about importing regulated goods in Cambodia by filling out the form below!