Starting next week, a government contractor will once again be inspecting imported goods to ensure the government is getting its fair share of taxes.
More than 100 importers learned the new rules of the game at a seminar conducted last week by Societe Generale de Surveillance, the company rehired by the government to conduct pre-shipment inspections.
SGS will use the inspections to help the government set proper tariffs while working at the same time to modernize the nation’s customs system.
The Cambodian government canceled a five-year contract with SGS last November. The company said it was owed $6.8 million, and the government complained SGS didn’t do enough human resources training for the staff.
The government says it has paid almost all of its debt. The new contract is for two years, with an option for a third year.
Importers will still find some goods are exempt from inspection, including precious stones, art objects, live animals, scrap metals, cigarettes, and gifts by foreign governments or international organizations to foundations, charities or humanitarian organizations.
Restricted imports, requiring government approval, cover such categories as coins, aircraft and most weapons. Prohibited import items include illegal drugs and chemicals used in their production, right-hand steering vehicles, antiques that are more than 100 years old, pornography, toxic waste and counterfeit goods.
Some importers complained about having to pay their inspection service fee, which is 0.8 percent of the value of the item, not including tax and transportation costs, at the Standard Chartered Bank in Phnom Penh.
“I think it is a waste of time for us to go back and forth,” said Sophea Nop, administration manager for Mobitel, who envisioned extra paperwork and long waits if his company has to deal with the bank.
SGS contract manager Richard Hines emphasized his company was willing to be flexible.
“Any questions or problems, let’s set up an appointment with me and customs officials to resolve these problems.”
