Cambodia: Sugar Transport Through Kep Province is Transit Trade, Authorities Clarify

Cambodian authorities have clarified that sugar transported through Kep province is transit trade, not for domestic consumption, and is conducted through legal procedures. This addresses public concerns and clarifies information on prohibited import items. According to specialized officials on September 17, 2026, the transport activity in question is based on clear legal and technical justifications, meeting the following conditions: Permits and Tax Compliance: The transported goods possess valid transport permits and have fulfilled tax obligations to the state correctly. Waterway Transport Route: The import of goods is conducted via ports (waterways), which are legal commercial channels. Government Policy: The Royal Government of Cambodia has not yet implemented a policy to completely ban the import of goods, especially through waterways and air routes. Transit Goods: The sugar transported through Kep province is not intended for distribution or consumption within the Kingdom of Cambodia. Furthermore, a notification from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia specifies that foreign-origin goods prohibited from import into Cambodia include: 1. Timber and logs, and 2. Fuel and gas products (including gasoline, diesel, LPG and LNG for burning, fuel oil, and Jet-A1 aviation fuel). Other goods, apart from the aforementioned prohibited items, are not subject to import restrictions. Traders and merchants can continue to import normally, provided they complete the necessary procedures and formalities as stipulated by current legal standards. For transportation, traders can utilize various means and border crossings, except for the specific Cambodia-Thailand border crossings that have been demonstrably closed for particular reasons. Specialized officials emphasized that all commercial activities and goods transport are subject to strict monitoring, inspection, and legal enforcement by competent institutions to ensure transparency and compliance with prevailing regulations. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local