Cambodia Launches Electronic Certificates of Origin to Streamline Exports and Prevent Fraud

PHNOM PENH, Sept 8, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has introduced electronic Certificates of Origin (e‑CO) through the Ministry of Commerce’s CO Automation System, in a bid to modernise trade services, improve transparency and strengthen controls against origin fraud, officials said Tuesday. The Ministry announced the new system on September 1, saying it is available via its website and aimed at producers and exporters operating in Cambodia. The e‑CO will support compliance with rules of origin under both preferential and non‑preferential trade schemes. The initiative is backed by five ministerial regulations under Cambodia’s Law on Rules of Origin, covering procedures for applying and issuing certificates, minimum information requirements, authentication of electronic documents, investigations into the origin of goods, and sanctions for violations. Officials said the measures are intended to ensure exporters comply with origin rules while preventing fraudulent claims. The system also complements Cambodia’s efforts to help exporters benefit from free trade agreements. In December 2025, the Ministry launched the Cambodia FTA Portal, offering tools to compare tariff rates, rules of origin and supporting documents. Together, the portal and the e‑CO system are designed to give producers and exporters better access to information and digital services when preparing goods for international markets. To improve understanding, Cambodia’s Law on Rules of Origin has been translated into English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, along with the five relevant regulations. Officials encouraged exporters to adopt the new system, saying stronger verification and enforcement will help protect the credibility of Cambodian exports and ensure compliance with international trade arrangements.