Automated System to Apply for E-Commerce Licenses/Permits Available

Under the E-commerce Law, the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) and Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (“MPTC”) are the competent authorities governing the e-commerce sector. The MOC is in charge of issuing e-commerce licenses and permits to service providers, while the MPTC regulates the technological side of the sector, such as setting security and safety procedures on the storage of data and information, and the issuance of online service certificates.

Which business activities require an e-commerce license or permit?

The E-Commerce Law is a far-ranging law that regulates both domestic and cross-border electronic transactions. The law goes beyond the standard e-commerce retail, as it applies to all commercial and civil transactions that are done electronically. In addition to the requirements delineated in the E-Commerce Law, the Cambodian authorities have released further details on licenses and permits in Sub-Decree 134, issued on 27 August 2020, and Prakas 290, released on 9 October 2020.

Who needs an e-commerce license or permit?

Pursuant to the E-Commerce Law, approval in the form of an e-commerce license or permit is required to operate e-commerce activities in Cambodia, as per the type of operator as below:

• Natural persons and sole proprietorships are required to obtain an e-commerce permit.
• Legal entities and branches of foreign companies are required to obtain an e-commerce license.

New automated application system to apply for an e-commerce license or permit

Since electronic business activities, such as the purchase and sale of goods and services, are growing significantly in Cambodia, on 14 June 2023, the MOC announced the official launch of an automated application system to facilitate the process and save time and costs. There are two stages: the initial application for an e-commerce permit or license via the Cambodia Data Exchange (the “CamDX system”); and amendment of the license or permit if any changes are required.

E-commerce license/permit application process

Before applying for an e-commerce license or permit, the applicant must obtain an online service certificate from the MPTC first.

The application process via the CamDx system is straightforward. The documents required are listed below:

• A completed standard MOC application form
• Business extract information, which includes e-commerce activities as a business objective
• Online service certificate issued by the MPTC
• Patent Tax Certificate
• User protection profile (business model)
• User protection documents
• Sample contract between an intermediary and a commercial service provider
• Evidence of a bank account or confirmation of the payment method
• Other documents as may be required by the authorities