Basic information
Outline of the system
According to Article 73 of Law on Forestry of 31 August 2002 and Sub-Decree No. 209 of 31 December 2007 and amended to Anukret (Sub-Decree) No. 17 ANK/BK on the Enforcement of the List of Prohibited and Restricted Goods dated 26 February 2020 (Changed List of Goods in Annex 1), the license for export/import of Forest Products and by products shall be issued by the Ministry of Commerce, after the issuance of a Visa by the Head of Forestry Administration. This license shall be extended by the Ministry of Commerce.
Product coverage
Currently, under the Prakas No.078 on Procedure of Issuing Export and Import License of Minister of Commerce dated 1 March 2013, only one type of import licensing has been applied for products falling in Annex I of Sub-Decree No. 17 dated 26 February 2020.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Non-automatic licensing to Protect human, animal or plant life and health; protect environment; Collect trade statistics or market surveillance; Pursue obligations under the UN Charter and other international treaties; Quota (including TRQ) administration; Identify Forest and Non-Timber Forest Products allow to Export and Import; Prevent the spread of pests and diseases that seriously affect local natural genetic resources and comply with the law on forestry.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing procedures are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of the imports. The purposes of utilizing import licensing procedures are necessary for:
- Protection of national security;
- Protection of public order and standards of decency and morality;
- Protection of human, animal or plant life or health;
- Protection of national treasures of artistic, historic or archaeological value;
- Compliance with the provisions of any legislation of The Kingdom of Cambodia currently in force;
- The fulfilment of obligations under the Charter of the United Nations.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
Cambodia has no discriminatory policy regarding the country of origin of the imported commodities. The import licensing system is applied to goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Ongoing
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Import licensing applies only to prohibited and restricted goods under law and Regulations (Goods listed in Annex I of Sub-Decree No. 209 in 2007 and amended to Sub-Decree No. 17 on 26 February 2020).
Sub-Decree No. 131 on Timber and Non-timber Forest Products;
Circular No. 3543 on the Export and Import of Forest Tree Seeds and Wild Plants
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?
All persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for license.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Forestry Administration (or Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (see below))
Address
#40, Preah Norodom Blvd, Sangkat Phsar Kandal, Khan Doun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Telephone
(023) 214 651/211 535/211 636
Fax
Website
Contact officer
Mr. Bunn Vanna (097 888 8917)
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Forestry Administration, #40, Preah Norodom Blvd, Sangkat Phsar Kandal, Khan Doun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: (023) 214 651/211 535/211 636
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 255, 200 Preah Norodom Blvd (41), Phnom Penh 370
https://web.maff.gov.kh/
Tel:(855) 23 726 128/726 129/97 76 66 989
info@maff.gov.kh
Documentation requirements
Application form - Wood and wood by-products.pdfWhat documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Documentation and other requirements for application of import license are:
- Letter from Cabinet of Ministers/Relevant Ministries (MAFF, MOE…);
- Application;
- Business Registration Certificate;
- Sales contract;
- Visa approved by Forestry Administration, MAFF (For only Processed Wood only);
- Administration Fee Receipt;
- Certificates of Origin of Exporter;
- Bill of Lading;
- Other necessary documents.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application for importation can be made at any time.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Limitation of period and quantity of importation approved by Government and relevant Ministries. Ministry of Commerce issue Import License based on that decision.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
An import license cannot be granted immediately upon request. Prior review of the application is required. The license could be granted in 16 hours/working day if all required documents are approved.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
It depends on the goods, an import License under the Ministry of Commerce is required, a visa from the Forestry Administration, Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) before final approval by the Ministry of Commerce (Forestry Law).
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
It depends on the goods, an import License under the Ministry of Commerce is required, a visa from the Forestry Administration, Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) before final approval by the Ministry of Commerce (Forestry Law).
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?
Administration Fee
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
for an Import License: 400,000KH Riels equal to US$100 for other of processed wood and 800,000 KH Riels equal to US$200 for processed wood.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
The import license is available once the administration fee has been made and is not refundable.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
The import license is available once the administration fee has been made and is not 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 can 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?
Limitation of period and quantity of importation approved by Government and relevant Ministries. Ministry of Commerce issue Import License based on that decision.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
At the time of actual importation, the import license must be presented to the customs at the port where the entry takes place.
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?
The license is valid for three months and can be extended only twice, first extension 45 days, second extension 30 days.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non-utilization of a license, the licence is revoked.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
A license is not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.