Technical Update

The Ministry of Environment (MoE) has issued a new regulation regarding the combustion of textile and industrial waste using furnaces, boilers, and kilns that do not comply with industry and pollution reduction standards.

Effective 17 January 2025, a ban will be placed on burning textiles and animal skin waste/leather resulting from producing shoes, bags and other goods using furnaces, boilers, and kilns if there is no industrial standard waste management and pollution reduction mechanism. Such combustion violates the principles of emission reduction, noise pollution and principles for the regulation of natural resources as stipulated in Sub-Decree No. 42 dated 10 July 2000 on the Control of Air Pollution and Noise Disturbance. Note that Sub-Decree covers eight (8) annexes as below:

• Annex 1: Ambient Air Quality Standard

• Annex 2: Maximum Allowable Concentration of Hazardous Substance in Ambient Air

• Annex 3: Maximum Allowable Standard of Pollution Substance for Immovable Sources in Ambient Air

• Annex 4: Gas Emission Standard of Mobile Source

• Annex 5: Maximum Standard of Noise Emission Level Allowable for Vehicles on Public Roads

• Annex 6: Maximum Standard of Noise Level Allowable in the Public and Residential Areas

• Annex 7: Noise Control Standard at Workshop, Factory and Industry

• Annex 8: Standard of Sulfur, Lead, Benzene, and Hydrocarbon Permitted in Fuel and Coal

In reference to the above, the MoE hereby instructs all companies, factories, enterprises and industries as follows:

1. Immediately cease the combustion of all textile and industrial waste in furnaces, boilers, and kilns that are not equipped with a proper waste management system and pollution control system compliant with industrial standards.

2. Implement and maintain a waste management system that adheres to industry standards to ensure that air pollution is controlled, and emissions comply with the industrial regulations.

If the MoE finds companies, factories, enterprises, and industries violating the ban, legal repercussions will be enforced against the owners according to the law. 

Commentary

The MoE has been increasing its efforts to address challenges in solid waste management and air pollution control. In addition to the abovementioned regulation, all companies must also comply with the Code on Environmental and Natural Resources of Cambodia, which mandates sustainable practices, pollution control, and responsible management. This ensures that industries not only adhere to specific regulations from the MoE, but also contributeto the broader protection of Cambodia’s environment and natural resources.

This recent development is applicable to all factories, enterprises, companies and industries with animal skin, textile waste, and leather as by-products. The MoE expects full compliance with responsibility and transparency.

As a trusted professional firm, KPMG in Cambodia is pleased to discuss how these updates may impact your business. For more information or any related inquiries, please feel free to contact us.