Cambodia Customs Tightens Crackdown on Smuggling

The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) have intensified enforcement against smuggling and tax evasion, unveiling a sharp new package of measures across border provinces.

Deputy Director General Kuon Chandakosal, led outreach sessions in Svay Rieng and Prey Veng, briefing nearly 120 customs officers, traders, transport operators and brokers on the crackdown. The initiative, endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, aims to strengthen compliance, boost state revenue and ensure fair competition in trade.

The package sets out 31 actions under three pillars: preventing smuggling and fraud while facilitating commerce, tightening governance in customs administration, and monitoring implementation. Measures include eliminating overlapping checkpoints, scrapping container scanning fees, risk‑based inspections, and expanding automation.

He warned that obstruction or refusal to comply could trigger penalties and even court action.  

Cambodia’s international trade surged to over US$23.38 billion in the first four months of 2026, up nearly 20 percent year‑on‑year, with exports climbing to US$11.12 billion and imports reaching US$12.26 billion. This strong trade momentum underscores the government’s parallel crackdown on smuggling and tax evasion.