Cambodia Digitzes Certificates of Origin to Streamline Exports and Combat Fraud

PHNOM PENH, Sept 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is expanding the use of electronic Certificates of Origin (e‑CO) to strengthen trade facilitation and export compliance, aiming to make origin certification more transparent, efficient and secure, officials said Tuesday. The Ministry of Commerce said e‑COs will be issued through its CO Automation System, allowing exporters and manufacturers to create, submit and pay for certificates online. Applications remain subject to review and final approval by the ministry. The rollout is backed by five new ministerial regulations, or Prakas, covering application and issuance procedures, minimum information requirements for non‑preferential certificates, authentication of electronic documents, investigation of export origins and sanctions for violations. Officials said the measures are designed not only to modernize public services but also to strengthen Cambodia’s ability to verify product origin and prevent fraud, a growing concern as exporters seek preferential tariff treatment under bilateral and regional trade agreements. Certificates of Origin certify that goods were produced or processed in Cambodia. Preferential certificates are critical for customs authorities to determine eligibility for tariff benefits under specific FTAs. The digitalization drive is linked to Cambodia’s broader push to help businesses maximize use of its expanding FTA network. The Commerce Ministry launched the Cambodia FTA Portal in December 2025, offering exporters information on agreements, tariff rates and rules of origin, with comparison tools to identify the most beneficial arrangements. Officials said combining the e‑CO system with the FTA Portal creates an integrated digital pathway — from identifying preferential markets to securing documentation for tariff preferences. Cambodia has also translated its Law on Rules of Origin and the new Prakas into multiple languages to aid domestic and foreign producers. The ministry said the measures mark a wider effort to digitize trade services, improve transparency and enable exporters to capture more tariff benefits under Cambodia’s FTAs.