Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 13 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the exemption of scanning fees for containers and customs processing fee on goods worth less than USD 1,000 to facilitate trade.

The premier spoke at the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum, held on Monday (Nov. 13) at the Peace Palace.

In addition to waiving the scanning fees for containers, the prime minister announced a number of other works under customs jurisdiction including:

* Exemption of Customs Processing Fee for export-import goods valued at less than USD 1,000 and reduction of customs clearance fee from 15,000 Riel to 8,000 Riel per transaction for export-import goods priced under USD 1,000.

* The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia continues to work with the private sector to reduce logistics fees by reviewing fees and reducing or simplifying customs procedures, as well as promoting the use of information technology.

* Implemented from 1 January 2024 onwards Rules and Procedures for Cargo Declaration and Pre-Arrival Processing via Electronic System Pursuant to Prakas No. 788 MEF dated 27 October 2023 on the procedures for completing customs procedures before the goods arrive." This procedure will allow the merchant to send information electronically before the goods arrive at the customs office.

* Classification of goods to expedite customs formalities through the implementation from 1 January 2024 onwards rules and procedures for completing customs formalities for postal and express deliveries and commercial goods through systems crossing borders.

* In response to the mention of high costs, the use of multiple hard copy documents and face-to-face meetings with officials, the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia must prepare a specific action plan: reduce the cost of processing customs clearance and adjust the fees accordingly, prepare relevant legal documents to allow the use of electronic attachments as official documents, adjust customs clearance procedures in ASYCUDA system and system E-customs by promoting the use of electronic forms and reducing paper documents and strengthening the one-window mechanism at the customs office by reducing procedures and face-to-face meetings with officials.

* Promote and complete the preparation of the third phase of the National Single Window to include licenses, permits, certificates and other documents of the relevant ministries and institutions to promote the maximum use of information technology systems.
=FRESH NEWS