How to Export from Cambodia: A Beginner's Guide

Cambodia encourages exports, and many products can be shipped with simple procedures and low or no export duty.

Steps

1. Register your business with the Ministry of Commerce and the tax authority
2. Choose your product and market and study the buyer country's import rules
3. Find the HS code for your product
4. Check export requirements: some goods need a permit or certificate (for example agricultural, food, fishery and forestry products, or garments registered with the relevant ministry)
5. Agree the sales terms with your buyer, including Incoterms and payment method
6. Prepare documents: commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin if needed, and any health or phytosanitary certificates
7. Book shipping with a forwarder or shipping line
8. File the export declaration and get customs clearance
9. Ship and send documents to the buyer or bank for payment

Payment methods

advance payment, letter of credit (L/C), documents against payment, or open account. Use safer methods with new buyers.

Common mistakes

• Not checking the buyer country's food or product standards
• Missing the Certificate of Origin that gives a lower tariff
• Weak packaging that fails during transit

Tip

start with one product and one market so you can learn the full process, then expand.

Export rules vary by product. Confirm with the Ministry of Commerce, the relevant technical ministry and Customs.