Technical Update

Following our previous KPMG Technical Update issued in March 2020 on the implementation of theCambodian National Single Window (CNSW), which can be found [here] and our Technical Update issued in September 2021 on the Implementation of the CNSW for Master List Applications, which can be found [here], we would like to provide an update on the current status.

The CNSW has made significant progress, particularly with its official launch on 07 May 2024, following a preliminary test run that began in 2019. Initially, it was initiated by 2 (two) government institutions: the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) and the Ministry of Commerce (MoC). In the second phase, CNSW was connected with the ASEAN Single Window (ASW), a trade facilitation for the ASEAN economic community, alongside four (4) other government institutions. In the third phase, ten (10) more ministries and institutions were integrated into the system, bringing the total to 16 (sixteen).

This platform allows for the electronic submission of applications related to import and export licenses, permits, and certificates for prohibited and restricted goods. Traders can submit a single electronic application for all necessary documents related to import and export, streamlining the process significantly.

The following government ministries and institutions are now connected to the CNSW:

• Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMCC), handling the import permits for gambling equipment and/or software.

• Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC)*

• General Department of International Cooperation and Debt Management (GDICDM)*

• GDCE, handling Customs Permits and Master List applications.

• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), managing various import/export permits for wildlife, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, timber, and other products.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), including permits for import/export of goods for diplomats or international organizations.

• Ministry of Health (MoH), which issues health certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and veterinary certificates.

• Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), which provides permission letters from the Institution of Standards of Cambodia (ISC), including the Certification of Items and Quantities of Chemical Substance Use.

• Ministry of Interior (MoI)*

• Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), handles export quotas and certificates for construction and industrial mining materials.

• MoC, covering the Certificate of Origin (C/O) and Kimberly Process

• Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA), including authorization letters to

export/import art objects.

• Ministry of Defense (MD)

• Ministry of Environment (MoE ), responsible for import/export permits related to hazardous waste, recycling materials, plastic bags, and electronic equipment.

• Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC), including permits for the import/export of radio communication equipment and telecommunication equipment.

• National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), covering the import export of currency, precious metals, and uncut precious jewellery

To apply for licenses, permits, and certificates from the above authorities, the applicants (i.e., traders) must first register a CNSW account by providing entity information, authorized personnel details, and supporting documents. The registration process typically takes 5 to 7 working days for review and approval. Please note that once a CNSW account is successfully created, the traders cannot create another account under the same entity name, as this would result in duplication and rejection by the authority.

Notably, CNSW primarily facilitates trade for businesses involved in import, export, and transit activities. It offers a single access point for traders to submit and process customs declarations, trade permits, and related documents, as mentioned. In contrast, the Royal Government of Cambodia has introduced another platform, CamDX (Cambodian Data Exchange). CamDX is a digital platform for business registration in Cambodia, focusing on business incorporation and specific permits, licenses and certificates with various authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, MPTC, Real Estate Business and Pawnshop Regulator, Insurance Regulator of Cambodia, MISTI, MoC , and MAFF, NBC, General Department of Public Procurement and Ministry of Information.

Should you find the CNSW or CamDX application process challenging or need more details about the requirements, we would be pleased to support you. Our team is experienced with both platforms and can guide you through each step to ensure compliance.