Problems relating to Trade and Investment on Cambodia

 
9. Restrictive export/import trade, duty, and customs clearance
Issue
Issue details
Requests
Reference
(1) Nebulous, Delayed Customs Clearance Procedures - For nebulous reasons, customs clearance delays frequently arise, forcing temporary cash flow difficulties, operational delays, etc. - It is requested that CDC clarifies the criteria for judgment at the customs clearance procedures in writing. - Cambodian laws
  (Action)
- Cambodia, a Member State for the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, has completed the transitional period in January 2009.
- Automated System For Customs Data (ASYCUDA) is at work only in limited places such as Sihanoukville, Vientiane Laos National Border, etc. It takes a trip to customs at national border to file applications. From time to time, ASYCUDA itself is out of order, requiring filing of applications with paper documents. (JETRO Business Report of 6 September 2012)
- At the 9th Cambodia-Japan Public-Private Sector Meeting, Cambodian side replied: "In January 2013, decision was made to prepare the list of all public service tariffs and each of their required time. Ministries and Agencies were directed to prepare the list."
- On 28 June 2014, Cambodia acceded to "Protocol of Amendment to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Amended Kyoto Protocol)".
(2) Arbitrary Nature of Approval on Duty Free Import - On Duty Free Import of Equipment and Raw Materials under the Qualified Investment Project (QIP), both the Scope Of Approval and the Lead-time for Approval vary by discretion of the officer in charge at the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). - It is requested that CDC clarifies the Standard System in writing. - Cambodian laws
(3) Lack of Clampdown on Illegal Imports - Unfair competitive environment prevails due to illegal imports.
Enterprises filing Customs tariff declaration fairly and paying correct duty face unfair competition in the market.		 - It is requested that GOC tightens its border control, and strengthens clampdown, revelation, and fines on illegal importers.

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