Cambodia
Key advice
Cambodia is not a member of the ATA Carnet system. For professional camera equipment exceeding $300 USD, a temporary import permit from the GDCE is recommended before arrival. Personal equipment in reasonable quantities is generally tolerated for tourist use.
- Customs authority
- General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- 300 USD
- ATA Carnet
- Not accepted
- Official website
- customs.gov.kh ↗
Practical scenarios
You're traveling to Cambodia with a GoPro Hero 11 Black and its waterproof housing, valued at approximately $500 USD. At customs, present your equipment as personal effects for your tourist use. Since the value exceeds the $300 USD threshold, an agent might question you. Explain that it's for personal, non-commercial use. The risk is low, but a minimal tax could be applied if the agent is zealous, though this is rare for this type of personal gear.
You're arriving in Cambodia with a Sony A6600 mirrorless camera, an Ikelite housing, and a macro lens, with a total value of about $3,500 USD. This value significantly exceeds the duty-free allowance. It is highly recommended to contact the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) before your trip to request a temporary import permit. Without it, you risk significant taxation (7-35% of the value) or even confiscation of your equipment if customs officials deem it undeclared professional gear.
Your equipment includes a Canon R5 full-frame camera, a Nauticam housing, and two lenses (macro and fisheye), with a total value of $12,000 USD. As Cambodia is not a member of the ATA Carnet system, a pre-arranged temporary import permit from the GDCE is imperative. Prepare a letter explaining the non-commercial use and the duration of your stay. Without this permit, you expose yourself to very high customs duties (several thousand dollars) or confiscation of your equipment. Proactive declaration is the only safe route.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater camera equipment if its value exceeds $300 USD in Cambodia?
Yes, any equipment valued over $300 USD should be declared. For personal gear, this might be tolerated, but for more expensive or professional equipment, a formal declaration or prior permit is strongly recommended to avoid taxes or complications.
Does Cambodia accept the ATA Carnet for temporary import of camera equipment?
No, Cambodia is not a member of the ATA Carnet system. For temporary import of expensive professional equipment, it is advisable to request a prior permit from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) before your arrival.
Where can I find official information on Cambodian customs regulations for camera equipment?
For official and detailed information, it is best to consult the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) website directly. For more information, visit the official website: https://customs.gov.kh/en.