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Tag: Cambodia

  • Cambodia Reinforces Ban on E-Cigarettes and Shisha

    Cambodia Reinforces Ban on E-Cigarettes and Shisha

    Cambodia issued a directive today (October 22) enforcing bans on e-cigarettes and shisha pipes, “aiming to safeguard public health and maintain social order.” Prime Minister Hun Manet said the move comes in response to the widespread use of these products among children and youth, which he described as a threat to both health and social stability.

    The directive prohibits the import, distribution, sale, advertisement, use, possession, production, and storage of electronic smoking devices and shisha in all forms. Hun Manet also instructed the Ministry of Education to ensure these products are banned in and around schools, teacher training institutions, dormitories, community learning centers, gyms, and sports facilities.

    Cambodia first restricted shisha and e-cigarettes in 2014, citing serious health risks. The Ministry of Health warns that e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine and can be used with marijuana and other drugs, while shisha contains significant toxins.

  • Cambodian Cigarette Factory Penalized for Pollution Issues

    Cambodian Cigarette Factory Penalized for Pollution Issues

    An inspection team from Cambodia’s General Department of Environmental Protection has taken action against a cigarette factory in Takeo province for serious environmental violations. The inspection, led by Deputy Director Cho Thol, found the LH-TBC (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. facility in Kang Thom village operating without adequate ventilation or emission control systems, leading to excessive odors and air pollution. Air quality testing confirmed that emissions from the factory exceeded national environmental standards.

    Authorities also determined that the company had been operating without a complete Environmental Impact Assessment and a valid waste discharge permit. In response, the inspection team imposed interim penalties under Cambodia’s Environment and Natural Resources Code and Sub-Decree No. 42 on Air Pollution Control. The company was ordered to install proper odor and smoke filtration systems, compensate for environmental and public health damages, and submit a full EIA report to the Ministry of Environment for review.

  • Cambodia Orders Pollution Controls at Tobacco Facility

    Cambodia Orders Pollution Controls at Tobacco Facility

    Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment issued corrective orders to the Koh Pen Small Tobacco Processing Enterprise in Kong Pisey District following multiple complaints of strong odors and air pollution. An inspection this week led by deputy director Ung Vutthy, found the facility operating without an environmental permit and lacking proper ventilation and waste management systems.

    The factory must now separate production areas, install odor and dust control equipment, and obtain an environmental management license. The Ministry will continue monitoring to ensure full compliance with national environmental standards.

  • Cambodian Governor Orders Crackdown on Drugs, Smoking, and Vaping

    Cambodian Governor Orders Crackdown on Drugs, Smoking, and Vaping

    Khuong Sreng, the governor of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, directed all 14 district authorities to intensify efforts against drug-related crimes, smoking, vaping, and online scams, aiming to boost safety across villages and communes. Speaking at a Phnom Penh Unified Command meeting, Sreng emphasized that district officials must take full responsibility for local enforcement and request additional resources if needed. He stressed collaboration with the armed forces and urged leaders to stay engaged with residents.

    The governor called for public awareness campaigns, strict enforcement against student vaping and smoking, mandatory anti-vaping signage (especially in French-branded entertainment venues), and inspections of condos and boreys suspected of illegal activity.

  • Vietnam Seeks Feedback on Cambodian Tobacco Import

    Vietnam Seeks Feedback on Cambodian Tobacco Import

    Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is soliciting public feedback on a draft circular regulating import tariff quota for dried tobacco leaves originating from Cambodia for the 2025–26 period. This is a key step in implementing the Bilateral Trade Promotion Agreement between Vietnam and Cambodia, signed last month.

    According to the draft, the regulation covers the import tariff quota for dried tobacco leaves of Cambodian origin. This item will be eligible for a special preferential import duty rate of 0% when imported into Vietnam. The regulation applies to traders seeking to import under a tariff quota and to relevant organizations and individuals.

    For dried tobacco leaves, importers must obtain an import license issued by the MoIT.  

  • Cambodia PM: E-Cigarette Investment Not Welcome  

    Cambodia PM: E-Cigarette Investment Not Welcome  

    Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet said the country does not welcome investment in e-cigarettes, even if the products are being solely exported. He said that today (May 5), speaking at the official launch of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2025–2030.

     “If investors come for other types of investments, I welcome them,” he said. “But for e-cigarettes, Cambodia can say, ‘No need — please go elsewhere.’”

    He also issued a strong appeal to the public, particularly young people, urging them not to use e-cigarettes.

    “Please don’t think it’s cool to smoke or vape,” he said. “Instead, focus on your studies and strive to become someone recognized for your achievements.”

    Cambodia has banned the import, trade, and use of e-cigarettes, shishas, and heated tobacco products (HTPs) since 2014.

  • WHO Wants Cambodia to Raise Tobacco Taxes

    WHO Wants Cambodia to Raise Tobacco Taxes

    Image: VDZ3 Media

    Ada Moadsiri, World Health Organization representative in Cambodia, called for an increase in the special tax on cigarettes in the kingdom, reports the Khmer Times. According to Moadsiri, the current tax is not enough to discourage cigarette use or to raise enough revenues to offset the cost in terms of healthcare and economic output caused by tobacco-related illnesses.

    Moadsiri said, at the Youth Forum on Tobacco Tax Measures event, that an effective increase in the special tax would require stakeholders to keep cigarette prices higher and make it more difficult for Cambodians to start smoking.

    “We see that this delusion of the tobacco industry that claims that raising taxes on cigarettes will lead to tax evasion is fake, and I think the tobacco industry uses these fantasies for the sole purpose of preventing or delaying the special tax on cigarettes,” Moadsiri said.

  • Industry Urges Crackdown on Illicits

    Industry Urges Crackdown on Illicits

    The tobacco industry is urging Cambodia to crack down on the illicit trade in cigarettes, reports The Khmer Times.

    A recent study by Kantar International found that 18.5 of cigarettes on the market failed to display the required tax stamps, causing the government to miss out on up to $10 million in revenues each year.

    Vernon Little, president of the Association of Tobacco Industry in Cambodia (ATIC), which represents several local and international tobacco manufacturers, said better tobacco tax stamp compliance would not also boost government income, but also contribute to a level playing field for the industry.

    “We request the Royal Government of Cambodia to take more action strongly against those illicit [products],” said Little.

  • Cambodia urged to raise tobacco taxes

    Cambodia urged to raise tobacco taxes

    Image: laurent dambies

    The World Health Organization and the Cambodia Movement for Health Organization have urged the Cambodian government to increase tobacco taxes, reports the Khmer Times.

    Cambodia levies comparatively low taxes on tobacco products. Domestically produced cigarettes attract a duty of 25 percent, and imported cigarettes are taxed at a rate of 31 percent. According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Cambodian tobacco product taxes are 20 percent lower than in other ASEAN countries.

    According to the WHO, increasing tobacco taxes is the single most effective way of reducing tobacco use and associated health problems. A recent WHO study found that raising the price of a pack of cigarettes by KHR500 ($0.12) now would not only deter at least 30,000 people from smoking next year but also prevent 10,000 deaths in the next 10 years and generate tax revenues of approximately $53 million per year.

    Between 2011 and 2021, the number of smokers in Cambodia increased from 1.47 million to 1.63 million, according to the Public Health Centre.

  • Cambodia: Police Shut Down Illegal Tobacco Factory

    Cambodia: Police Shut Down Illegal Tobacco Factory

    Image: Derek Brumby

    Tboung Khmum police shut down an illegal tobacco factory producing counterfeit Esse brand cigarettes, in collaboration with Cambodia’s provincial military police and mobile customs officers, reports the Khmer Times. The factory was located in the Memot District, near the border with Vietnam.

    The factory was allegedly owned by a Cambodian tycoon, according to Tboung Khmum Provincial Economic Police Officer Major Long Sambath. Police were investigating and monitoring the factory for a month before the raid, said Sambath.

    The alleged owner was not present during the raid and has not been located, though his identity is known.

    “This factory has operated without any authorization from relevant provincial authorities. We discovered recently that it was producing unlicensed, counterfeit Esse cigarettes,” Sambath said.

    “The authorities have already cracked down on the factory, and we will take legal action to locate and prosecute the owner of the factory,” he said.

    Several tons of counterfeit cigarettes were seized along with other tobacco-related materials, including new cigarette manufacturing equipment.