Shipping from Singapore to Cambodia

Singapore is one of the top import origins of Cambodia, with $706 million worth of items being imported in 2016. Among which, their top imports include light rubberised knitted fabric, refined petroleum, gold, cars and bi-wheel vehicle parts.

Before having your cargo shipped from Singapore to Cambodia, you may be required to do extensive research in order to know the exact shipping procedure as well as the important export and import documents needed in order to ensure a smooth journey.

There are 2 modes of transportation available for cross border shipments: sea freight and air freight. With M&P International Freights’ experience and vast network, we are able to ship your cargo within 2-3 business days via air freight and 5-7 business days via sea freight.

Some commonly prohibited and restricted goods that are not allowed to be exported out of Singapore include

• Animals
• Meat products
• Rough diamonds
• Chemicals such as pesticides

Some commonly prohibited and restricted goods that are not allowed to be imported into Cambodia include

• Coffee and tea
• Leather goods
• Shoes
• Toys
• Wallpaper
• Clocks and watches

According to the Cambodian import and export procedures, all importers will have to

• register with Cambodia’s Department of Business Registration, under the Ministry of Commerce
• register for Value-added Tax (VAT) at the General Department of Taxation, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance
• register with the General Department of Taxation, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance to get a Taxpayer Identification Number
• register with the General Department of Customs and Excise
• submit a customs declaration form to the Automated System for Customs Data

The last thing to note is that if you are importing into the Special Economic Zones of Cambodia, it is compulsory for you to apply with the Free Zone Management Department of the General Department of Customs and Excise in Phnom Penh. If you are importing any restricted or controlled goods, you may also be required to register at the government agencies that have authorised or licensed your import.

Goods and Services Tax and duties are not levied on goods exported from Singapore.

For shipments to be imported into Cambodia, there are a few taxes that you will have to bear.

• Tariff rate

There are varying tariff rates from 0% to 35% to be applied, depending on the nature of your cargo. Goods such as sports equipment, pharmaceutical products, agricultural equipment and school materials are exempted from import tariffs.

As for primary goods and raw materials, they will usually incur a tariff rate of 7%. Capital goods and raw materials that are available in Cambodia will incur a 15% tariff rate. Lastly, finished products, alcohol, petroleum, vehicles and precious metals will incur a tariff rate of 35%. For a full list of all the tariff rates imposed on each good, visit the Cambodia National Trade Repository website.

• VAT

Cambodia charges a fixed 10% VAT on all imported goods as well as a special tax on certain imported goods.

Documents required for importing into Cambodia

• Customs Import Declaration
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Road Transport Document (if arriving by land)
• Bill of Lading (if arriving by sea)
• Air Waybill (if arriving by air)
• Import Permit
• Insurance Certificate
• Tax Certificate
• Certificate of Origin
• Company Registration

Should you require more information regarding shipping from Singapore to Cambodia, here are some useful resources:

Cambodia’s Customs Declaration Procedures

Cambodia’s Import Procedures

Guide to Importing and Exporting (Cambodia)

Singapore’s Export Procedures

If you are worrying about the shipping procedures as well as the number of import documents you have to get ready, you may want to consider engaging a freight forwarder.

Most freight forwarders provide a one-stop solution to your shipping needs as they offer the following services: air freight transportation, sea freight transportation, trucking, warehousing, custom clearance and cargo insurance. What this means is that you can leave everything to them and there is no need to handle any paperwork or payment for customs and duties to be able to experience a quick and hassle-free shipping experience.