Cambodia Urges Food Exporters to Prepare for China’s New Import Rules

PHNOM PENH, May 26, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s customs authority has called on local food producers and exporters to prepare for new Chinese import registration rules set to take effect next month, warning that compliance is essential to safeguard access to one of the country’s largest markets.

In a notice Tuesday, the General Department of Customs and Excise said China’s General Administration of Customs will enforce the “Administrative Measures for the Registration of Overseas Food Production Enterprises Importing Food into China” from June 1.

The regulations aim to strengthen food safety standards for imports while ensuring sustainable trade cooperation. Cambodian exporters were urged to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures to avoid shipment delays and customs clearance problems.

The department said timely preparation would help ensure smooth exports of Cambodian food products, including rice, bananas, cassava, mangoes, pepper and processed foods.

China remains one of Cambodia’s top trading partners and a key destination for agricultural exports. Bilateral trade exceeded $19.7 billion in 2025, driven largely by rising imports from China.

The regulatory changes come as Cambodia seeks to expand agricultural exports and strengthen food processing industries as part of efforts to diversify the economy and boost higher value-added products