Cambodia: Fishery Import License Allegedly Resold, Fueling Tax Evasion and Unfair Competition

Mao Chheang Mai Import Export Co., Ltd., a company holding fishery import licenses in Cambodia, is facing accusations of violating its permit principles by allegedly reselling its licenses to traders, thereby facilitating illegal imports of aquatic products from Vietnam and tax evasion. This practice has reportedly been ongoing for several months. According to permits issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the General Department of Customs and Excise, Mao Chheang Mai Import Export Co., Ltd. was authorized to import fishery products from Vietnam to supply the Cambodian market, paying taxes and duties through several border crossings, including Chrey Thom in Kandal province, Phnom Den in Takeo province, and Prek Chak and Ton Hon in Kampot province, effective September 29, 2025. However, after obtaining the import license, the company allegedly did not engage in importing fishery products itself. Instead, it reportedly sold its licenses to other traders who lack the proper authorization for importing such products from Vietnam. This situation is reportedly causing anarchic imports at several border checkpoints. Some legitimate seafood importers, speaking to CEN Cambodia on condition of anonymity, stated that the company's actions not only violate permit principles but also provide opportunities for illegal traders to evade taxes. They claim that for every truckload of goods imported legally, five truckloads are smuggled by evading taxes, often under various disguises. These tactics reportedly include deceiving border guards and customs officials by breaking down import shipments into smaller loads transported by numerous motorcycles, which are then collected by waiting trucks. One anonymous trader told CEN that the actions of Mao Chheang Mai Import Export Co., Ltd. are causing daily losses in state tax revenue. Furthermore, it negatively impacts legitimate companies that import seafood legally and pay proper taxes, making it difficult for them to compete with traders who evade taxes or pay minimal amounts. Despite these accusations, a representative from Mao Chheang Mai Import Export Co., Ltd. has denied the allegations, stating that the company has not engaged in such activities. The representative briefly told CEN that their company has not sold its licenses to anyone. However, some sources have indicated that the company has transferred its rights to two individuals: a person named Che Lang (vehicle license plate 5095) and a Vietnamese national named Duong (vehicle license plate 1175). It is further reported that the checkpoints where traders allegedly smuggle goods via numerous motorcycles include checkpoint 314, checkpoint 413, as well as others like Kock Kombo and Ton Hon. Source: CEN Cambodia