Shipping to Cambodia
Require shipping to Cambodia? Enjoy competitive rates on a full suite of freight forwarding services when you engage Express Freight Management!
Our dedicated team of subject matter experts will work closely with you to devise a customized solution that satisfies both your needs and budget constraints. Discover the variety of freight forwarding services we offer below:
Free Quotation For Your Shipment
Items Prohibited or Restricted for Export in the United States
Useful resources:
Items Prohibited Or Restricted For Import Into Cambodia
Shipping Process from the United States to Cambodia
Understanding the shipping process is crucial for a smooth and efficient transfer of goods. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in transporting your cargo from the United States to Cambodia, ensuring timely and secure delivery.
Upon engagement and acceptance of our quotation, Express Freight Management will provide you with necessary materials including packing supplies, boxes, international customs clearance forms, and shipping labels. These will facilitate the shipping process and ensure compliance with regulations.
After packing your items, a designated truck will pick up the boxes and transport them to a consolidation warehouse.
At the warehouse, your goods will be consolidated and packed into a container, ready for loading onto the ship bound for Cambodia.
A few days before reaching, the ship’s captain will submit a report to the Cambodia Customs detailing the vessel, crew, and cargo.
Upon arrival, the container will be unloaded using large cranes.
Customs officials will inspect selected containers to ensure the contents match the information on the submitted documents.
Once cleared by customs, the container will be transported to an import distribution center, where the cargo will be deconsolidated by shipment.
The sorted cargo will be delivered to the final destination via local trucking services.
Documents Required For Shipping To Cambodia
These are some of the key documents required for customs clearance when shipping to Cambodia:
- Customs import declaration
- Commercial invoice
- Packing slip
- Road Transport Document (if arriving by land)
- Bill of Lading (if arriving by sea)
- Air waybill (if arriving by air)
- Import permit
- Insurance certificate
- Tax certificate
- Certificate of Origin
- Company registration
Key Pre-Requisites
When shipping to Cambodia, there are certain prerequisites, including registration or pre-arrival steps, that may apply depending on the nature of the shipment and the parties involved. Here’s what you need to know about prerequisites like registering beforehand:
WHY CHOOSE EXPRESS FREIGHT MANAGEMENT?
Express Freight Management
Express Freight Management is your one-stop shipping solutions provider. With a global reach and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure smooth and efficient shipping from start to finish.
Customer Satisfaction
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your complete satisfaction with our shipping solutions. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to address your needs, resolve any issues promptly, and ensure a smooth shipping experience from start to finish.
Global Reach
By being located in one of the world’s busiest port-of-call with free-trade zone benefits, we have served a multitude of clients from around the world. To do so, we have partnered with many companies worldwide such as sea carriers like NVOCCs and VOCCs. This ensures that you get the most efficient routes at the most competitive prices.
Personalized Experience
We understand that each of our clients needs is unique. Hence, you will be assigned a personal consultant who will assist you with all your shipping enquiries. The consultant will keep you up to date on the status of your shipments and ensure that your goods arrive at your destination safely and promptly.
FAQs About Shipping To Cambodia
What Is The Cheapest Way To Ship To Cambodia?
The cost of shipping to Cambodia can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
- Origin Country: Rates differ significantly based on the sender’s location due to varying distances, customs regulations, and delivery complexities.
- Package Details:
- Weight: Heavier packages cost more.
- Dimensions: Larger packages, even if light, can increase costs due to volume.
- Type of Goods: Certain items (e.g., electronics, hazardous materials) might incur additional fees or require special handling.
- Shipping Method:
- Air Freight: Generally faster but more expensive.
- Sea Freight: Slower but often more economical for heavy or bulk shipments.
- Additional Services:
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Express or Expedited Shipping
- Customs Clearance (in some cases, this might be an extra cost)
Remember, the most accurate shipping quote will depend on the specifics of your shipment. Always check with the shipping providers for the most current and detailed pricing.
Why Is Shipping To Cambodia So Expensive?
Shipping to Cambodia can indeed be pricey, and there are several reasons contributing to these higher costs. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
- Location and Geography: Cambodia is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. This geographical position means that most shipments, especially those originating from outside Asia, have to travel longer distances, often involving multiple transportation modes (e.g., air or sea to a regional hub, then land or river to Cambodia). Longer distances and multi-modal transport increase costs.
- Infrastructure and Logistics Challenges:
- Port Limitations: While Cambodia has a significant port in Sihanoukville, which handles the bulk of the country’s international shipping, its capacity and efficiency are not on par with larger, more developed ports in neighboring countries like Singapore or Thailand. This can lead to congestion and higher fees.
- Road Conditions: Once goods arrive in Cambodia, the condition of the roads, especially outside the main cities, can be poor. This necessitates the use of more robust (and expensive) transportation solutions for overland shipping.
- Limited Air Freight Options: Direct air freight services to Cambodia might be limited from many origins, necessitating transshipment through another country, which adds to the cost and transit time.
- Customs and Regulatory Compliance:
- Complexity and Bureaucracy: Cambodia’s customs clearance process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring more paperwork and possibly more fees for expedited services or to navigate the bureaucracy efficiently.
- Taxes and Duties: The tariffs and taxes imposed on imported goods can significantly add to the final shipping cost. Cambodia has various tax rates depending on the commodity, and not all shipments qualify for preferential tariff treatments.
- Security Concerns and Insurance:
- Higher Insurance Premiums: Due to perceived higher risks (theft, loss, etc.) in certain areas of Cambodia, insurance premiums for shipments can be more expensive.
- Limited Competition in Certain Routes:
- In some cases, especially for less common shipping routes to Cambodia, there might be fewer carriers or freight forwarders operating, which can lead to higher prices due to reduced competition.
What Is The Import Tax In Cambodia?
In Cambodia, the import tax consists of several components, primarily customs import duties, a special tax (where applicable), and a value-added tax (VAT). Here’s a breakdown based on the latest available information:
- Customs Import Duties: These are calculated using an ad-valorem rate, meaning they are based on the value of the imported goods. The rates typically range from 0% to 35%, depending on the type of goods. For example:
- Finished products like vehicles often face the higher end of the spectrum (up to 35%).
- Certain goods, such as agricultural equipment, school materials, pharmaceutical products (HS code 30), and sporting goods, may be exempt from customs duties.
- Special Tax (SPT): This is an excise tax applied to specific goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, petroleum products, and certain vehicles. The rate varies depending on the item and is calculated on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value plus customs duty. For example:
- Special tax rates for cars can range from 20% to 55% depending on engine size, with recent reductions lowering some rates (e.g., from 30% to 20% for engines up to 3000cc).
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): A flat rate of 10% is applied to all imported goods, calculated on the CIF value plus any applicable customs duties and special taxes. Some goods may qualify for exemptions or zero-rating under specific conditions (e.g., exports or supplies to certain export-oriented industries).
Calculation Method
Cambodia uses the CIF method for calculating import taxes. The formula is generally:
- Total Import Tax = CIF Value × (Customs Duty Rate + Special Tax Rate + VAT Rate)
For example:
- If you import a car with a CIF value of $10,000, a customs duty rate of 35%, a special tax rate of 20%, and the 10% VAT:
- Customs Duty = $10,000 × 35% = $3,500
- Special Tax = ($10,000 + $3,500) × 20% = $2,700
- VAT = ($10,000 + $3,500 + $2,700) × 10% = $1,620
- Total Import Tax = $3,500 + $2,700 + $1,620 = $7,820
Exemptions and Preferences
- Goods imported under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) or other free trade agreements (e.g., with China, Japan, or Korea) may have reduced or zero customs duties if they meet origin requirements.
- Businesses in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can import raw materials and production equipment duty-free and VAT-free.
- Diplomatic staff, NGOs, and certain investment projects may also qualify for exemptions with prior approval.
Additional Notes
- Import duties and taxes are paid before goods are released from customs, unless covered by an exemption or deferred under a bonded warehouse arrangement.
- The exact rate for a specific product depends on its Harmonized System (HS) code, which can be checked via the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) website or the Customs Tariff of Cambodia.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially for specific goods, it’s recommended to consult the GDCE or consult a knowledgeable freight forwarder, as rates and policies can change.
How Long Is Shipping From The USA To Cambodia?
Shipping time from the USA to Cambodia depends on the method of transportation—sea freight, air freight, or courier services—as well as factors like the specific origin and destination, carrier schedules, and customs processing. Here’s a breakdown based on the latest information:
- Sea Freight: This is the most common and cost-effective option for large shipments. Transit times typically range from 20 to 50 days, depending on the departure port in the USA (e.g., Los Angeles, New York) and arrival port in Cambodia (e.g., Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh). For example:
- From the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles to Sihanoukville), it’s often closer to 27–35 days.
- From the East Coast (e.g., New York to Sihanoukville), it can take 40–50 days due to longer sea routes.
- Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion, or customs clearance.
- Air Freight: For faster delivery, air freight takes 2 to 10 days, depending on the service level and flight availability.
- Standard air cargo (e.g., via commercial airlines like United or Emirates) typically takes 5–10 days, including ground handling and customs.
- Express air freight (e.g., dedicated cargo flights) can be as quick as 2–5 days from major U.S. hubs like Los Angeles or Seattle to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).
- Courier Services (e.g., FedEx, DHL, UPS): Ideal for small to medium packages, these typically take 1 to 10 days, depending on the service:
- Express options (e.g., FedEx International Priority) can deliver in 1–4 days door-to-door.
- Economy or standard services may take 4–10 days.