Basic information
Outline of the system
For foreign films imported for commercial distribution in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the distributor must submit the films for registration at the Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
Product coverage
Refer to Prakas No. 96 dated 27 June 2017 on the Procedures for the Authorization on Production, Commercialization, Service, Censorship, Classification, and granting visa of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Art.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
For those who want to apply for a foreign film registration, they must own a licensed of film distribution company from Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing is statutorily required.
Prakas No. 96 dated 27 June 2017 on the Procedures for the Authorization on Production, Commercialization, Service, Censorship, Classification, and granting visa of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Art. Sub-Decree No. 234 S.E dated 8 November 2016 on The Management of Film Industry.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Any persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for license if there is appropriate legal proof permitted to do so.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Application form for importing foreign films:
- Application form 1 Copy
- List of movie accomplishments 1 Copy
- Contract or Agreement of Film purchase 1 Copy
- Original imported receipts (in case of attached with product) 1 Copy
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are one months or two months limitations for screening in Cinema, but the importers can do other business during the limitation time (one year, two years or five years) as stated in each agreement.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes, if all required documents are complete or upon urgent request by importers.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Application for a license can be made for 2 days.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes, a fee of 2,000,000 Riel is charged.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment. The payment will be made after getting the licenses for all cases, except for the film registration which cost 20,000 Riels.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
An application for a license must be refused if the required documents are not met.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are one months or two months limitations for screening in Cinema, but the importers can do other business during the limitation time (one year, two years or five years) as stated in each agreement.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Same as 24.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Not applicable.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A license has a validity period of six months. The validity of a license can be extended by going through the normal process when first obtaining the license.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
Not applicable.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Issued licences cannot be transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Yes, upon agreement.