Cambodia Boosts Customs Enforcement as Diversified Import Revenue Share Hits 49.5%

PHNOM PENH, Aug 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia's customs reforms are reshaping the country’s revenue structure, with the share of revenue from diversified imports climbing to 49.5 percent in July from 42.9 percent in April, officials said Thursday, as authorities intensify efforts to combat tax evasion and modernize administration. The progress was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth, who assessed implementation of the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) 2026 action plan on tax evasion prevention and governance reform. Kun Nhem, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and GDCE Director General, said of 31 reform measures introduced in May, nine have been completed, 13 are ongoing and nine are scheduled for completion by year-end. He noted the rise in diversified import revenue came despite a sharp fall in petroleum-related customs receipts after the government absorbed fuel import duties. The meeting also reviewed anti-tax evasion operations, trade facilitation, governance and IT system development. Pornmoniroth praised GDCE’s progress and urged officials to strengthen technical operations and origin management to curb fraud. He called for accelerating digital transformation by upgrading the customs automation system into a fully integrated digital ecosystem with API connectivity, expanding the use of artificial intelligence in customs operations, and developing a Digital Customs Architecture Framework to ensure long-term sustainability and interoperability. Officials said the reforms form part of broader government efforts to strengthen fiscal governance, improve trade efficiency and modernize customs administration through technology-driven solutions, while broadening Cambodia’s revenue base.