Importing Personal Effects into Cambodia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Cambodia Import Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods

• Shipping Documents:
• Original Bill of Lading, Express Bill of Lading, or Air Waybill from the origin point.
• Through Bill of Lading or Air Waybill from the transshipment point (if applicable).
• Packing List:
• A detailed list of all shipped items, written clearly in English.
• Client Identification:
• A clear copy of the shipper's passport, including the photo page and current visa pages.
• Authorization & Customs Forms:
• Letter to Customs
• Letter of Authorization
• A copy of the client's employer Business Registration Certificate.
• Please Note:
• Your agent will provide the necessary templates, which must be printed on your company's official letterhead.
• You must submit two (2) complete copies of all the above documents for each shipment.

• Tax-Free Import: Approved for used household goods if your visa is valid for 1+ year upon shipment arrival.
• Alcohol: Always subject to import taxes and duties.
• Dry Food: Permitted in small, personal-use quantities only.
• Required: A detailed list of all contents and their values.

• Eligibility & Key Regulations
• Who Can Import?
• Foreign nationals employed by a registered company in Cambodia.
• Cambodian nationals returning from abroad to resume residence.
• Shipment Arrival Requirement:
• Customs clearance procedures can only begin after your shipment has arrived at the port.
• Presence in Cambodia:
• The shipper must be physically present in Cambodia when the shipment arrives.
• Documentation & Timing
• Document deadline: To ensure timely clearance, provide all required documents to your destination agent at least 10 working days before the vessel's arrival.
• Official Letters: All letters submitted to Cambodian Ministries must be:
• Printed on official company letterhead
• Signed with a fresh, wet signature in blue ink.
• Shipment Limits: There are currently no restrictions on the number of shipments you can import.

Diplomat or NGO Removals

• Shipping Documents:
• Original Bill of Lading, Express Bill of Lading, or Air Waybill from the origin point.
• Through Bill of Lading or Air Waybill from the transshipment point (if applicable).
• Packing List:
• Detailed list of all shipped items, written clearly in English.
• Client Identification:
• Clear copy of the shipper's passport, including the photo page
• Notification of arrival from MOFA.
• Authorization & Customs Forms:
• Letter to Customs
• Letter of Authorization
• Please Note:
• Your agent will provide the necessary templates, which must be printed on your mission/company's official letterhead.
• You must submit two (2) complete copies of all the above documents for each shipment.

• Household goods and personal effects are duty and tax-free.
• For diplomats, there are no general limits on alcohol imports.
• If a diplomat has a formal quota (via MOFA agreement), that quota is the official limit.

• All letters to Cambodian Ministries must be:
• Printed on official mission or company letterhead.
• Signed with a fresh (wet) signature in blue ink.
• The "Notification of Arrival" is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) after the shipper has physically begun their new assignment in Cambodia. The standard processing time for this document is approximately 5 working days.
• Important: Typically, only the US Embassy can apply for this notification in advance of arrival. All other personnel should confirm with their employing mission if early application is possible.
• Allow 2 to 3 weeks for the full customs clearance process to be completed. Be advised that demurrage and storage charges will apply during this period.

Motorcycle and Vehicle

• Original Bill of Lading or Express BL (from point of origin) and Through Bill of Lading (from transhipment point).
• Commercial invoice.
• Clear copy of shipper’s passport with photo page.

• Duty-Free Status: Granted only to Diplomatic, UN, NGO, and IO staff after they obtain ministry approval in Cambodia.
• All Other Importers: Must pay import duty (35%-125%) and tax (10%-50%), with the
• final rate depending on type/age/engine size

• Motor vehicle must be left-hand driven.
• A Diplomatic ID card is required to clear the shipment.
• Important Note: This ID is issued by MOFA
• and can only be applied for after the shipper has officially started their new position.
• Please allow approximately one month for MOFA to issue it.
• Customs clearance typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to complete. Be advised that demurrage and storage charges will apply during this period

Prohibited Articles

• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Pornographic material
• Food (at the exception of dry food – see under ‘removal goods’)
• Medicine
• Toy guns
• Short wave radios

• Consult Your Agent: Contact your destination agent for regulations on specific goods not covered here.
• Diplomatic Alcohol: Special rules apply. See the 'Diplomats' section.

Exporting Personal Effects from Cambodia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Cambodia Export Guide (PDF)

Household goods and personal effects Foreign Passport Holder (All documents to provide 2 days before packing commence)

• The following documents are required.
• For each document, please ensure:
• It is signed by you (the client),
• It is signed and rubber-stamped by your legal employer in Cambodia.
• Copy of your passport
• Employment Identification (for FCL shipments only)
• Letter to Customs
• Letter of Authorization
• Note:
• Your agent will provide the necessary templates, which must be printed on your company's official letterhead.
• You must submit two (2) complete copies of all the above documents for each shipment.

• The safety of your shipment is your agent primary concern. Please note the following:
• Federal law prohibits packing hazardous or restricted materials in any shipment.
• This includes many common household items (e.g., aerosols, cleaners, batteries) that can be dangerous during transport.
• Please ensure none of these items are packed to ensure a safe and compliant move.
• For the safety of everyone involved, please note that many common household items are prohibited from shipping due to fire and explosion risks.
• Why? Items like aerosol hairspray and chemical cleaners can build up extreme pressure when heated. This can cause them to explode, threatening the entire shipment and the lives of the transport crew.
• Your Responsibility: You must carefully review the list below and ensure none of these dangerous items are packed.
• Before packing, ensure your shipment
• complies with all regulations:
• Safety: Remove all hazardous household items (e.g., aerosols, cleaners).
• Customs: Verify that your items are permitted by your destination country's customs laws. This includes common goods like food, alcohol, and electronics, etc….

Household goods and personal effects - Diplomatic shipment (All documents to provide 2 days before packing commence)

• For each document, please ensure:
• It is signed by you (the client),
• It is signed and rubber-stamped by your legal employer in Cambodia:
• Copy of your passport or ID card
• Copy of Overseas work contract
• Application Letter
• & Power of Attorney
• Note:
• Your agent will provide the necessary templates, which must be printed on your company's official letterhead.
• You must submit two (2) complete copies of all the above documents for each shipment.

• Same as above

• Same as above

Antique items / Buddha statues

• Application letter
• Passport copy
• Pictures and dimension of items
• Original receipt of purchase

• Export Restrictions for Art and Antiques - be aware of the following Cambodian regulations concerning the export of cultural and historical items:
• Reproductions & Decorative Items: Any statue or decorative item of historical or religious significance (even if it is a reproduction) requires an export permit
• from the Ministry of Fine Arts.
• Genuine Antiques: The export of genuine antiques is generally prohibited by Cambodian Customs unless the item meets the following condition:
• It was originally imported into Cambodia and properly registered with the Cultural Department.
• Proof of Import: If an antique was not declared to customs upon its arrival into the country, it will likely be prohibited from being exported.

• Cultural Inspection:
• Your agent will arrange the required Cultural Department inspection.
• This adds approximately 7-14 working days to the timeline

Motorbike / Car

• Required Documents:
• Proof of Ownership & Eligibility
• De-registration Certificate: The original document, showing the motorcycle is no longer registered in Cambodia.
• Ownership Requirement: The motorcycle must have been registered in the shipper's name for at least one year.
• Proof of Purchase: The original purchase invoice.
• Client Identification
• Passport Copy: A copy of the shipper's passport, certified as a true copy by a Government Agency.
• National ID Card: A copy of the Cambodian National ID Card (for Cambodian citizens only).
• Authorization & Application
• Power of Attorney: A document
• authorizing the agent to act on the client's behalf.
• Application Letter: A formal letter requesting the export of the motorcycle.
• Supporting Documentation
• Purchase Invoice: A copy of the original purchase invoice.
• Import Document: A copy of the document proving the motorcycle was originally imported into Cambodia.

• The Customs Department requires the original vehicle deregistration certificate.
• This document is essential. Export cannot proceed without it.

Prohibited Items

• Flammables
• Gasoline
• Butane
• Lighter Fluids
• Propane
• Chemicals
• Matches
• Wood oil stains
• Petrol-based garden sprays
• Signal Flares
• Charcoal briquettes
• Fresh fruits
• Flowers
• Combustible Liquids
• Lubricants,
• Antifreeze
• Photograph chemicals
• Explosives
• Fireworks
• Flash Bulbs
• Small arms ammunitions
• Live plants
• Compressed Gas
• Aerosol Cans
• Fire extinguishers
• Scuba diving tanks
• Corrosives
• Acids
• Drain cleaner
• Photograph chemicals
• Bleach
• Weed killers
• Chemicals
• Matches
• Wood oil stains
• Petrol-based garden sprays
• Air Freight: No Electronic Items permitted

Cambodia Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Cambodia Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Invoice / declaration of value
• Customs declaration (Single Administrative Document / SAD, submitted via ASYCUDA World)
• Work permit / visa (long-term)
• Customs permit from GDCE Customs Procedures Department in Phnom Penh (may be required depending on shipment type)
• Certificate of origin (if claiming preferential tariff treatment under FTAs)

Specific Information

No standard transfer of residence exemption: Cambodia does not have a widely documented blanket "transfer of residence" duty-free exemption comparable to EU or other countries. Most household goods imported as cargo are subject to the standard tariff rates unless the importer qualifies under a specific exemption category (diplomatic, QIP, NGO agreement, etc.).

Tariff rates: Cambodia applies four primary ad valorem tariff rates on CIF value: 0% (raw materials, FTA goods), 7% (semi-processed/intermediate goods), 15% (many finished goods/consumer products), 35% (luxury goods, alcohol, tobacco, certain automobiles).

Special tax (excise): Applies to alcohol, tobacco, luxury products, and certain other categories.

August 2025 — US goods: Cambodia implemented a 0% customs duty rate on new goods originating from the United States, including used cars, under Sub-Decree No. 139. VAT and special taxes still apply.

ASYCUDA World: All customs declarations must be submitted electronically through ASYCUDA World.

Customs permit: May be required from the GDCE Customs Procedures Department in Phnom Penh for certain imports and must be presented with the customs declaration.

ASEAN membership: Cambodia is a member of ASEAN. Preferential tariff rates apply to goods from ASEAN member states under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). Cambodia also has FTAs with China, South Korea, Japan (via RCEP), and others.

De minimis threshold: Low-value goods below a specified threshold may be cleared under simplified procedures.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Personal belongings imported by travellers or via mail shipments below a certain value threshold may be exempt from import duties. Diplomatic missions and international organisations receive import duty exemptions under the Law on Customs and relevant agreements.

VAT: 10% VAT is levied on all imported goods, calculated on CIF value plus customs duty.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics and illegal drugs — Strictly prohibited; severe penalties
• Weapons, explosives, and ammunition without authorisation — Prohibited
• Counterfeit goods and currency — Prohibited
• Pornographic material — Prohibited
• Hazardous waste — Prohibited
• Items that violate intellectual property rights — Prohibited
• Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats (unless 5th generation or further removed) — Prohibited for pet import

• 200 cigarettes or equivalent tobacco
• 1 bottle of alcohol (approximately 350ml spirits)
• Reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use

• Pharmaceuticals PERMIT REQUIRED — Subject to regulation by the Ministry of Health
• Firearms and ammunition PERMIT REQUIRED — Strictly controlled
• Telecommunications equipment — May require ANATEL/MISTI certification
• Plants and plant products PERMIT REQUIRED — Phytosanitary certificate required; inspected by CAMCONTROL
• Meat, dairy, and animal products PERMIT REQUIRED — Subject to sanitary and phytosanitary controls
• Chemicals PERMIT REQUIRED — Subject to MISTI regulation

Cambodia enforces a list of prohibited and restricted goods under Sub-Decree No. 209 (and subsequent amendments). The GDCE enforces this list at all entry points.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

ASYCUDA World: All declarations submitted electronically.

Customs permit: Obtain from the GDCE Customs Procedures Department in Phnom Penh if required.

Invoice verification: For most goods, the commercial invoice must be verified by the GDCE's Department of Planning, Technique and International Affairs (DPTIA) in Phnom Penh prior to submission of the customs declaration.

Risk-based inspection: GDCE conducts risk-based inspections. CAMCONTROL handles sensitive items (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals).

Routing / port of entry: Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (primary sea freight port on the Gulf of Thailand). Phnom Penh International Airport (primary air freight). Three dry ports around Phnom Penh. Land border crossings at Bavet (Vietnam), Poipet (Thailand), and others.

ASEAN transit: Cambodia's position within ASEAN facilitates regional transit. The ASEAN Single Window initiative aims to streamline cross-border trade.

Currency: Cambodian riel (KHR). The US dollar is widely used as a parallel currency throughout Cambodia, particularly in urban areas. Most transactions above small amounts are conducted in USD.

Regulatory Updates

• August 2025: Sub-Decree No. 139 implemented 0% customs duty on new US-origin goods and used US-origin cars. VAT and special taxes still apply.
• 2025: New instructions on customs transit (Instruction 3133) with simplified procedures and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) benefits. Manual on Customs Procedures issued by GDCE (December 2024).
• June 2024: Sub-Decree on Border E-Commerce issued.
• Ongoing: ASYCUDA World continues to be expanded to all customs clearance points. Cambodia National Single Window being developed.