IBCC Hosts Breakfast Talk Sharing Customs Update for 2025

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IBCC Hosts Breakfast Talk Sharing Customs Update for 2025
IBCC Hosts Breakfast Talk Sharing Customs Update for 2025./Photo: DFDL Cambodia

The Indian Business Chamber in Cambodia (IBCC) hosted a breakfast talk on September 9, 2025, at GIA Tower sharing an ‘Update on Cambodia Customs 2025’. The event brought together government officials, legal experts, and business leaders to discuss the General Department of Customs and Excise’s (GDCE) latest reforms, trade incentives, and compliance updates.

Key speakers included H.E. Pha Eng Veng, Deputy Director General of the GDCE, and Diberjohn Balinas, Partner at DFDL Cambodia.

Digital Transformation of Customs

H.E. Pha Eng Veng highlighted Cambodia’s progress in modernising customs procedures, underscoring the government’s commitment to creating a seamless trade environment. He noted that Cambodia’s customs digitalisation journey began with the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA World) in 2008, followed by:

  • E-Customs (2015)
  • Customs Valuation Declaration System (2017)
  • Mobile Applications (2017)
  • E-Payment (2018)
  • National Single Window Phases I & II and ASEAN Single Window integration (2019)
  • ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS)
  • Global Travel Assessment System (GTAS, 2022)
  • ASYHUB Pre-Arrival Processing (March 2024)
  • National Single Window Phase III (May 2024)
  • Electronic Cargo Tracking System (June 2025)
H.E. Pha Eng Veng (left), Diberjohn Balinas (right)./B2B Cambodia 

The National Single Window (NSW)—first introduced in 2016—was implemented in three phases. The first phase integrated the Ministry of Commerce and GDCE with ASEAN partners in 2018. The second phase—launched in 2019—expanded the system to six major border regulatory agencies. The third phase—completed in 2024—extended its coverage to 11 ministries and agencies.

Expanding Trade Opportunities

H.E. Pha Eng Veng also emphasised the role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in boosting Cambodia’s regional and global competitiveness. These include:

  • Regional FTAs: ATIGA (2010), ASEAN-China (2005), ASEAN-Korea (2007), ASEAN-Japan (2008), ASEAN-India (2010), ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (2010), ASEAN-Hong Kong, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP, 2022).
  • Bilateral FTAs: Cambodia-China (2022), Cambodia-Korea (2023), Cambodia-UAE (2024), with Cambodia-India currently under negotiation.

Insights from the Private Sector

Diberjohn Balinas, Partner at DFDL Cambodia, provided updates on the most recent regulatory changes and trade facilitation measures. He highlighted Prakas 671 (August 25, 2025) on Customs Bonded Warehouses, explained new customs transit procedures, and discussed bilateral trade dynamics between Cambodia and Vietnam.

Balinas also elaborated on the role of Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs), the Best Trader Incentive Mechanism (BTIM), and the growing importance of Post Clearance Audits (PCA) in ensuring compliance while easing trade processes.

He noted that PCA reviews typically focus on:

  • Tariff classification
  • Origin of goods
  • Customs valuation

 Read more: Obtaining Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Certification in Cambodia