CAMBODIA

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Cambodia

Bilateral relations between Cambodia and Switzerland are good. Switzerland supports the transition process and development efforts in Cambodia. Trade between the two countries is marginal.

Economic cooperation

Cambodia is one of the world’s poorest countries; the trade in goods between Cambodia and Switzerland is therefore marginal, but it is growing. Switzerland mainly exports pharmaceuticals, machinery and optical and medical instruments, and imports textiles and agricultural products.

Business language

French, English.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

National currency Riel = 100 sen.
ISO code: KH

Customs tariff

Harmonised system.

Import control

The import of goods is extensively liberalised but there are licence obligations for certain groups of goods, for example animals and plants and their products, medications, chemicals, mobile radio equipment, ores and precious metals. Only a small number of goods such as poppy seeds, poppy straw and slags are still subject to general import bans. There is generally a pre-shipment inspection for imports (see point on pre-shipment inspections), which is a check of the quality, quantity, customs value and correct tariff. Further information on the pre-shipment inspection is available from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Standard VAT rate: 10%

Pre-shipment inspection

Pre-shipment inspections are defined for the export of goods to Cambodia. The minimum value is set at USD 4.500 FOB. Exports of live animals, precious stones and precious metals and goods imported for use by Cambodian public offices are excluded from the regulation.

Terms of payment and tenders

Letters of credit are used without exception.
Invoices in USD are standard.

Designations of origin

Not required on the goods.
Designation of origin on commercial invoices.

Marking/labelling

Standard markings with the addition of “Importé de Suisse” advisable.

Packaging

Seaworthy.

Product samples

Samples with no retail value are permitted duty free.
A security must be provided.

Shipping and accompanying documents

Standard and

a) Commercial invoices, in French, with all standard information in English/French including the country of origin, precise description of the goods etc., certified by the CIC (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), at the end of the commercial invoices the following signed declaration must be given: “We herewith certify that the goods mentioned on this invoice have been manufactured in the Swiss and are of same origin, as well as the before mentioned prices are in accordance with the prices in the exporting country.” or “Nous certifions que les marchandises dénommées dans cette facture sont de fabrication et d’origine de la Suisse et que les prix indiqués ci-dessus s’accordent avec les prix courants sur le marché d’exportation”.

b) Certificates of origin only on request.

c) Include a detailed packing list for all shipments.

d) Order bills of lading with a notify address.

e) Postal packages up to 20 kg: 1 international dispatch note, 3 customs declarations in French/English.