Certificates of Origin: Application and Issuance Procedures

October 13, 2026

On September 1, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) issued Prakas No. 080 on the procedures for applying for and issuing certificates of origin (“CO”). It updates and consolidates the procedures for applying for, registering, verifying, and issuing COs for goods exported from Cambodia under both preferential and non-preferential trade schemes.

The Prakas aims to facilitate international trade, strengthen verification of the origin of exported goods, and prevent origin fraud while ensuring compliance with the applicable rules of origin under Cambodia’s trade agreements and other export arrangements.

Scope and types of origin-related documents

The Prakas applies to goods exported from Cambodia under preferential and non-preferential trade schemes. It recognizes several types of origin-related documents, including:

• A certificate of origin (“CO”) certifies that the goods originated in Cambodia. A preferential CO is used to claim preferential tariff treatment under applicable trade agreements or unilateral preference schemes, while a non-preferential CO is used for non-preferential purposes.
• A certificate of origin reference form (“CRF”) is used by the issuing authority to monitor raw material inventory balances and export data.
• An origin certification letter (“OCL”) certifies the Cambodian origin of specified goods and is used to monitor raw material inventory balances and export data for goods exported to the United States.

The MOC’s CO Automation System, available at https://co.moc.gov.kh/, is the electronic platform through which relevant registration applications, certificate applications, declarations, and supporting documents are submitted.      

Export registration and supporting documents

Before applying for a CO, producers and exporters must register their exports under the applicable preferential or non-preferential trade scheme through the CO Automation System and submit the required supporting documents. Depending on the type of business, these may include:

• Application of the producer and/or exporter
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Company extract
• Latest patent tax certificate
• Sale and purchase contract
• Lease agreement or property title deed
• Identification documents, and documents relevant to the nature of the business
• If the registration is being done by an authorized representation, an authorization letter from the company chairperson or managing director

After receiving an export registration application, the competent official is required to conduct an inspection within three working days, or within six working days where the business premises or production site is located far from Phnom Penh.

Application for a CO

Following successful registration, producers and exporters may apply for a CO through the CO Automation System.

Applications must be accompanied by:

• An invoice and packing list; and
• A detailed cost breakdown statement of the product, or other supporting documents required under the applicable rules of origin.

The applicable rules of origin determine whether exported goods qualify as Cambodian-origin products and are therefore eligible for preferential or non-preferential treatment.

Verification, recordkeeping, and CRF submission

Obtaining a CO does not end the producer’s or exporter’s compliance obligations.

For verification and recordkeeping purposes, relevant supporting documents must be submitted through the CO Automation System within 30 days of the following (depending on whether the importing country or trading partner requires a CO):

• Where a CO is required: The 30-day period is calculated from the date of issuance of the CO.
• Where a CO is not required: The 30-day period is calculated from the date the goods are exported from Cambodia.

The supporting documents differ depending on the type of goods:

For agricultural goods and processed agricultural goods:

• Invoice and packing list;
• Bill of lading or other documents evidencing the export of goods; and
• Sale and purchase contract or equivalent.

For garments, textiles, footwear, travel goods, bags, and other related goods:

• Invoice and packing list;
• Bill of lading;
• Customs export declaration; and
• Export license for prohibited or restricted goods, where applicable.

No public service fee is charged specifically for the submission of documents for verification, recordkeeping, and completion of the CRF.

OCL requirement for export to the United States

Producers and exporters shipping goods to the United States must comply with the separate applicable Prakas governing the application for and issuance of OCLs for specified goods exported to that market. Accordingly, exporters should determine whether their products fall within the scope of the separate OCL regulation and comply with its applicable registration, documentation, and issuance requirements.

Inspection of export goods

The Prakas introduces inspection requirements for certain exports, including:

• On-site inspection of goods exported for the first time.
• Pre-exportation inspections for specific categories of goods, including certain agricultural products and other specified exports.
• Post-exportation inspections for goods produced using imported raw materials.

Competent officials are authorized to inspect production facilities, warehouses, purchasing locations, and the goods to be exported to verify compliance with the origin requirements.

Raw material inventory declaration and verification

The Prakas requires producers and exporters to declare imported and locally procured raw material inventories used for production through the CO Automation System when applying for a CO, CRF, or OCL.

For imported raw materials, the required supporting documents are:

• Invoice and packing list;
• Bill of lading;
• Customs declaration; and
• Proof of origin.

For locally procured raw materials, the required documents are:

• Sale and purchase contract;
• Invoice and packing list; and
• Report of the competent official following an inspection of the supplier’s production line.

Producers and exporters must also cooperate with competent officials in conducting a raw material inventory verification at their business premises or production sites twice per year.

Businesses should review their export registration, product documentation, inventory records, and internal compliance procedures to ensure that they meet the applicable requirements. Careful recordkeeping and timely submission of supporting documents can help reduce procedural delays.