Background
The Ministry of Environment issued a notice to municipal and provincial governors via a letter dated 29 July 2026 clarifying that imports of battery waste and electrical and electronic equipment waste from abroad are prohibited under the Environmental Code and the Sub‑decree on Solid Waste Management. The ministry’s communication names provincial and municipal administrations as responsible authorities for applying applicable legal measures.
The ministry identified used consumer appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets as hazardous waste when imported or mixed with waste streams, because these items can contain hazardous substances including batteries, mercury, nickel, chromium and arsenic. The ministry reported observing storage, distribution and resale locations where used equipment has been mixed with waste, increasing the risk of hazardous releases during improper storage, dismantling or recycling.
Scope of Application
The notice applies to imports from foreign sources of battery waste and electrical and electronic equipment waste, including second‑hand consumer appliances listed by the ministry. The document addresses provincial and municipal governors and the operators of storage, distribution and resale sites for used electrical and electronic goods.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Import prohibition: The ministry affirms that the import of battery waste and electrical and electronic equipment waste is banned in accordance with national environmental legislation and the Sub‑decree on Solid Waste Management.
- Hazard identification: Specific used appliances are classified by the ministry as hazardous when they contain hazardous substances that pose risks to public health and ecosystems if not managed with appropriate technical safety measures.
- Local enforcement role: Provincial and municipal administrations are instructed to apply legal measures to prevent the import and inappropriate handling of these waste streams.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Importers and businesses dealing in second‑hand electrical and electronic goods should cease importing items that meet the ministry’s hazardous‑waste description and should review their stock and supply chains for compliance with national waste management rules. Operators of storage, distribution and resale premises may need to separate and manage existing stocks in line with environmental and public health requirements and coordinate with local authorities on permitted handling or disposal options.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment notice to provincial and municipal governors, letter dated 29 July 2026. Original source: Ministry of Environment Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEnvironmentCambodia/posts/pfbid02ZMH21BUBaLhfdVnBzJd2xDJbuWi9ConBdnttxdPnYNUf7gNybmmiuFopEDysYkb3l
