How to Import Food and Beverages into Cambodia

Food imports are regulated to protect consumers, so you need approvals and correct labels.

Basic steps

1. Register your business and confirm that your license covers food trading
2. Check the product category: packaged food, drinks, supplements, alcohol, fresh produce, meat and dairy each have different rules
3. Get product approval or registration from the relevant agency before shipping
4. Prepare the documents: invoice, packing list, B/L, certificate of origin, health certificate or quality certificate from the exporting country
5. Check labeling: labels commonly need the product name, ingredients, net quantity, producer, production and expiry dates, and Khmer text
6. Clear customs and inspection: food may be sampled and inspected
7. Store the goods correctly, especially chilled and frozen items

Special cases

• Meat, fish and dairy may need veterinary or health certificates
• Fresh fruit and vegetables may need plant health certificates
• Alcohol and tobacco carry extra taxes and have their own rules
• Supplements are often treated like health products with stricter approval

Shelf life

choose products with enough remaining shelf life, because slow clearance can use several days.

Tip

talk to your broker before you place the first order. Fixing a label after the container arrives is expensive.

Food regulations change. Confirm requirements with the relevant ministries.