The majority of goods exported through Sihanukville Port are garment exports. Most of these exported goods are examined by the Export Office in Phnom Penh, and the containers are sealed there. Customs at Sihanoukville port do not reopen the containers. They generally check the related documents and verify the seals on the containers. If everything is in order, containers are loaded on the vessels for export.

There are some goods cleared for export at Sihanukville such as wood products and garments form factories located in the Sihanukville area. The chief of customs of Sihanukville port sends staff to carry out the customs formality and examination at the investors’ premises.

Documentary Requirements

Export declaration have to be made triplicate and be submitted to the Customs Office, accompanied with the following documents:

Cargo Examination

All exports must be examined by GDCE as a spot check, primary or in detail (GDCE 1999). Goods are released when documents are approved, the export tax if any is paid for, and examination is completed.

An Export Office at GDCE headquarters takes charge of garments exports, which examines and seals cargo with a container bolt seal (in factory premises) that conforms to international standards. Once they reach Sihanoukville seaport their documents and container seal are checked by GDCE , and they are loaded on vessels.

Other goods cleared at Sihanoukville seaport such as wood products undergo Customs formality and examination on company premises in the Sihanoukville area by GDCE staff who are sent by their Chief.