WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
2 February 2012 
 (12-0656) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
 
RESPONSES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  
 
Notification pursuant to Article 7.3 of the  
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures 
 
CAMBODIA 
 
 
 The following communication, dated 30 January 2 012, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Cambodia. 
 
_______________ 
 
 
FORESTRY PRODUCTS AND FISH  AND FISHERY PRODUCTS 
 
Outline of System 
 
1. As regards forestry products, the system requires each importer to request an import quota 
that is valid for one year.  An importer's request  for an annual quota is approved by the Council of 
Ministers or the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  No aggregate quota limiting the total 
volume or value of imports is established.  The Ministry of Commerce issues import licenses for 
import transactions falling within the importer's quota.   A separate import license is required for each 
import transaction.  
 
 The import licensing system of fish and fishery products are compliant with the Law on Fisheries NS/RKM/0506/011 dated on 21 May 2006.  The licensing system is administered by the 
Fisheries Administration. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. As regards forestry products, the system c overs timber, timber produc ts and non-timber forest 
products, including wildlife, wild plants and tree seeds.  The products are found in the following HS 
lines: 1211; 1301; 1401; 1404; 3301; 3806; 3807; 4401; 4402; 4403; 4404; 4405; 4406; 4407; 4408; 4409; 4410; 4411; 4412; 4413; 4415; 4418; 4419; 4420; 9601.    All imports of fish and fishery products are s ubject to non-automatic licensing.  The products 
are found in Harmonization System (HS) headings 0301, 0302, 0303, 0304, 0305, 0306, and 0307.  
 3. For both forestry and fishery products, the system applies to produc ts originating in all 
countries and does not discriminate by country of origin.  4. Forestry products (hereafter referred to as List A ).  The system is not intended to restrict the 
overall quantity or value of imports.  However, it may be  used to restrict the import of individual wild 
plants and wildlife that carry a high risk of sp reading disease or impacting the genetic resources of G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
Page 2  
 
  Cambodia's wildlife and wild plants.  The licensing applies mainly to wood raw materials used as 
inputs by local manufacturers.  The purpose of the li censing is to help manage forest resources in the 
region and globally.  It also supports Cambodia's dom estic conservation efforts by ensuring that any 
timber illegally cut in Cambodia cannot be introduced  into the domestic market disguised as imports. 
 
Fish and fishery products (hereafter referred to as List B ):  Non-automatic import licensing is for the 
purpose of ensuring bio-biodiversity protection, and to protect human health, and safeguard national 
safety and security.  5. The Law on Forestry (31 August 2002); Sub-decree No. 131 on Timber and Non-Timber 
Forest Products Allowed for Import and E xport (28 November 2006); Sub-decree No. 53 on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (28 May 2006); 
Announcement letter (Circular) No. 3543 on the Export and Import of Forest Tree Seeds and Wild Plants (1 July 2009).  
 Licensing is statutorily required by Article 67 of the Law on Fisheries. (See paragraph 2 
under point 1 of Brief description).  
Procedures  
 
List A :  Not applicable. 
 
List B : 
 6.I. There are not yet formal procedures for conveying information on licensing.  The 2 or 3 firms 
that engage in licensing are aware of how to obtain all necessary information. 
 
II. Quotas are determined in the light of the cu rrent situation regardi ng demand and supply, and 
in the light of government policies on dange rous species and environmental management. 
Quotas are determined on an annual basis. 
  III. All firms registered to do business in Cambodi a are eligible to apply for an import license. 
Approved amounts may not be carried over from one year to the next. 
 IV. Applications for an import license may be made at any time.  V. Two to four weeks.  However, if laboratory tests are necessary, the time period could be 
longer. 
 VI. Imports may occur as soon as the license is granted.  VII. Licensing applications are considered  by the Fisheries Administration only. 
 
VIII. Licenses are issued mainly on the basis of past performance. 
 IX. Not applicable.  X. Not applicable. 
 
XI. Not applicable.   G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
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  7.(a) List A :  An importer who does not already have an authorized annual quota approved by the 
Council of Ministers or Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must submit his application well in advance, since securing approval of the quota is a pre-condition for 
approaching the Ministry of Commerce for an import license. Importers who have an 
authorized quota and all other necessary docum entation may obtain a license in two working 
days. 
  List B :  Not applicable. 
 (b) List A :  No. 
 
 List B :  Not applicable. 
 (c) List A :  No. 
 
 List B :  Not applicable. 
 (d) List A :  License applications are made only to th e Ministry of Commerce, which issues the 
import license (see Annex).  However, licenses ar e only issued to firms that have established 
an authorized import quota through application to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the license will not be signed by  the Ministry of Commerce until it receives a 
visa from the Forestry Administration of the Minist ry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 
 8. List A :  An application is denied only when the necessary documentation has not been 
provided.  
 List B :  In addition to the usual criteria, an importer who has committe d fraud may be denied 
an import license.  The reasons for any refusal are gi ven to the applicant.  The refusal of a license may 
be appealed to the Head of the Fi sheries Administration, and further,  to the Minister of Agriculture, 
Forestry and Fisheries.  
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
 
9. Lists A and B :  No.  Only companies registered by the Ministry of Health may import 
pharmaceuticals and narcotics.  All Cambodian firms ar e eligible to be so registered, provided that 
they have at least one employee who is a licensed  pharmacist. In accordance with the Prakas of the 
Ministry of Health, No. 254 dated 13 June 1996, there is a registration fee of US$200 (for each 
product registered) to be paid by the company to the Ministry of Health.  A list of authorized 
importers is available at the Department of Dr ugs and Food, Ministry of Health.  At present, 
164 companies are authorized to import pharmaceuticals and narcotics.   Lists C and D :  Any firm registered to do business in Cambodia may be the importer of 
record.  
 
Documentation and Other Requiremen ts for Application for Licence  
 
10. Lists A: To apply to the Forestry Administration and/ or the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries for an authorized import quota, a firm writes a letter stating the amount and type of the 
wood to be imported. It also submits its contract w ith the seller; certificates of origin, invoice and bill 
of lading, as well as information on the use th at will be made of the wood in Cambodia. 
 G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
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   To apply to the Ministry of Commerce for an  import license, the following documents are 
necessary: letter from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries confirming the authorized 
amount; letter from the Council of Ministers confirmi ng the authorized amount; Certificate of Origin 
from the exporting country; contract with the seller;  bill of lading, Invoice and Packing list. (See 
Annex
1). 
 
 Lists B : There is no official application form. A request for a license must include 
information on the quantity and species of fish to be imported, the period during which the importation will take place, the country of origin and the exporting firm. The applicant must also 
submit a health certificate from the exporting country.  
 
11. List A : The usual customs documentation, the import license, and a transport permission 
letter issued by the Forestry Administration.   List B :  In addition to the usual import docum ents, Article 67 of the Law on Fisheries 
requires the following documents to be presented at the border: an import license issued by the head 
of the Central Fisheries Administration; a license issued by the CITES Management Authority of the 
exporting country for endangered fishery products; a quality control certificate in fishery pathology 
issued by the exporting country.  12. List A :  There is an import licensing fee which is 1 pe r cent of the total FOB value. The fee is 
paid to the National Treasury via the Forestry Admini stration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries.  
 
List B :  Yes. The fee depends on the species of fish and the quantity to be imported. 
 
13. List A :  No. 
  List B :  A small part of the fee is paid in advan ce and is non-refundable. This covers routine 
administrative costs and any laboratory test charges.  
Conditions of Licensing  
 
14. List A :  An import license is valid for three months and may be extended once by two 
months.   List B :  The period of validity may be set at from 1 week to 6 months, according to the 
request of the importer, the quantity requested, a nd actual estimation of the transportation period. 
 15. List A :   No. 
 
 List B :   Yes, there is a small penalty to discourage repeated non-utilization. 
 
16. List A  and B :   No. 
 17. List A and B :   Please see the answers to questions 7(d) and 10, above. 
 
                                                      
1 In English only.  G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
 Page 5 
 
 
  Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. List A :  The importer must obtain a transportati on permit to transport the imported product 
from port of entry to any destination in the country prior to their transport activities.  
 List B :   See point 11, above. 
 19. List A and B :  Foreign exchange is freely available for all international trade transactions. G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
Page 6  
 
  WTO NOTIFICATION 
KNGDOM OF CAMBODIA 
   
ANNEX 
 
(Notification on Import License of Forestry Product) 
  
 
 
SAMPLE 
 
 
- Letter of Application for Import License 
- Sale/Purchase Contract 
- License of Importation for Forestry Product 
     
 
     
 
    
 
    
 
     
 
    
 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
 Page 7 
 
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
  
Company (Name) 
No.................................... 
   Your Excellency, Senior Minister, Minister of Commerce 
 
 Subject: -  Request for license of wood importation/exportation 
 Reference: -  Letter of the Council of Ministers No...........SOR CH NOR dated......... 
 -  Letter of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries dated.......... 
 -  Sale/Purchase Contract No.............dated..............  
With regard to the above subject and reference,  I would like to inform your Excellency that 
Our company wants to import/export wood category number one with the quality of ......m3 Into/out of Country A by Sea port of ........................... 
 
It would be very much appreciated if Your  Excellency could authorize the issuance of 
importation/exportation license to my company.  Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration. 
 
    
        Director of Company 
 
 
 
        
 
    
 
   G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
Page 8  
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
 
 
 
Sale/Purchase Contract 
 
 
No: ..............................  
Date: .......................... 
 
Seller/Exporter: .............................................................................................................. . 
Address: ..................... ............................ ........................ .............................. ............... ... 
Telephone: ..........................................................Fax: ................................................... 
Representative: Mr..................... ............................ ..............hereinafter called party "A" 
Buyer/ Importer:...............................................................................................................  
Address: ..................... ............................ ........................ .............................. ............... ... 
Telephone: ..........................................................Fax: ................................................... Representative by Mr................. ............................ ..............hereinafter called party "B" 
 Both parties mutually agreed with the followi ng terms and conditions of this contract as 
bellow: 
 Commodity  : .................................... 
 Specification   : ....................................  Quality   : ....................................  Quantity  : .................................... 
 Unit price  : .................................... 
 Grant total  : ....................................  Term of Delivery : ....................................  Term of Payment : ....................................  
 Both parties have to accurately implement all terms and condition s as above mentioned. 
 In the course of execution of this contract if  any disputes not reaching an amicable settlement 
by mutual discussion between both parties shall be se ttled by in accordance to the law of both parties 
country.  This contract made in Khmer and English in  02 (two) copies and are equally authentic and 
enter into force from the date of signing and valid until ........................... 
 
 
For Party "A"        For Party "B"  
 
  
  G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
 Page 9 
 
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
Client 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
               Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other            Exchange Rate: 
                           Import from:                 Port of loading: 
                 Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL...... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
 
 G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
Page 10  
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade  
License of Importation 
Custom HQ 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                          Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
               Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other                Exchange Rate: 
                          Import from:                 Port of loading: 
                        Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL...... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
      G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
 Page 11 
 
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
CAMCONTROL (Border) 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
            Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other          Exchange Rate: 
                         Import from:                         Port of loading: 
                               Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
                Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL..... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
     G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
Page 12  
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
CAMCONTROL HQ 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
               Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other    Exchange Rate: 
                   Import from:                        Port of loading: 
                         Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL...... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
      G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
 Page 13 
 
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
Archives 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
               Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other      Exchange Rate: 
                   Import from:                        Port of loading: 
                            Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL..... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
     
 
   
 G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
Page 14  
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
D/BIL 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
               Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other       Exchange Rate: 
                                 Import from:                        Port of loading: 
                      Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL...... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
     
 
   
  G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
 Page 15 
 
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
Bank 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
              Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other    Exchange Rate: 
                               Import from:                             Port of loading: 
                      Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL...... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
     
 
  G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
Page 16  
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
Client 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
               Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other          Exchange Rate: 
                 Import from:                             Port of loading: 
                         Mean of Transport: 
 
 
 
No. ..................... 
Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL..... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
     
  G/LIC/N/3/KHM/2 
 Page 17 
 
 
  Kingdom of Cambodia 
Nation- Religion- King 
Ministry of Commerce Department of Bilateral Trade 
 
License of Importation 
Client 
Importer: 
Address:  Solicitor bank: 
References: 
Purpose:                                                           Registration number: 
   P h o n e :                                Customs code no. & tariff: 
              
               Used Currency: 
Description & Specification of Goods Quantity Value in hard currency 
Unit Total 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
   
Total amount in Riel: 
Condition of Delivery:    
Country of Origin: Term of Payment: 
Foreign Seller: 
This License is valid   
CIF, C&F,   
  
 
Until.............  
FOB, Other           Exchange Rate: 
             Import from:                         Port of loading: 
                       Mean of Transport: 
 
 
No. ..................... Date................... 
             Importer 
 
 
 
 
  
    No....................... 
Date.................... 
     Solicitor Bank No..........MoC.D/BIL...... 
Phnom Penh, date............. 
 
     
 
 
__________