On 31 December 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (“MME”) issued Instruction No. 13122 on the Approval Procedures for Importing Petroleum and/or Petroleum Products via the National Single Window (“NSW”) (the “Instruction”). The Instruction outlines a new digital procedure for petroleum and petroleum product import permit applications that apply to all legal entities authorized to import petroleum and petroleum products.
- NSW REGISTRATION
Petroleum or petroleum product importers who have been granted an import license and approval-in-principle of the annual petroleum or petroleum product import plan, may apply for petroleum and petroleum product import permits for specific shipments by registering for an account via www.nsw.gov.kh by submitting required corporate documents.
- PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCT IMPORT PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
For each specific shipment, importers must log in and apply for a petroleum and/or petroleum product import permit via www.nsw.gov.kh by attaching required documents in electronic format.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, hard copies of the required application documents may still be required by the MME when:
- deemed necessary by the General Department of Petroleum; or
- system errors occur.
- APPROVAL WORKFLOW & TIMELINE
The approval process involves several layers of review. The estimated total processing time is approximately five working days.
Application submitted on www.live.nsw.gov.kh | Review by the authority (per shipment) | Payment of the application fee | Review by the MME senior management | Final decision by the Minister of MME | Approval, rejection, or return of the permit application |
|
2.5 working days |
~ 1 working day |
1 working day |
0.5 working day
|
|
- POST-APPROVAL OBLIGATION
Once the electronic permit is issued, importers must enter the import permit number and other necessary data into the Customs Automated System (“ASYCUDA”) when filing their customs declaration.
- KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PETROLEUM IMPORTERS
- Register Immediately: Ensure immediate registration to avoid disruptions to import activities in 2026.
- Prepare Digital Records: Digitize all necessary compliance documents for quick upload for each shipment application.
- Prepare Hard Copies: Be prepared to provide hard copies of application documents as may be required by the MME or if the system experiences downtime.
- Customs Declaration: Once approved, the permit must be referenced in ASYCUDA when submitting the customs declaration.
Please contact us at HBS LAW if you have any questions. Our team at HBS LAW is ready to provide relevant legal advice and assistance pertaining to the above, as well as any other matters in the energy and mining sector in Cambodia. We are committed to delivering services that are tailored to meet your specific legal needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for information purposes only and may not be relied upon as constituting legal advice.
