In this article we discuss the new Official Fees for Issuance of Compliance Certificates for Commercial Advertisements. This new law concerns all commercial advertisements on Goods and/or Services in Cambodia. For more information get in touch with our team or find out more about business and investment law in Cambodia here.
What is the new Cambodian law on Commercial Advertisements in 2023?
The government has issued new regulations on the Official Fees for Issuance of Compliance Certificates for Commercial Advertisements on Goods and/or Services in Cambodia, also known as Prakas 167. This was done in a joint move by The Ministry of Economy and Finance (“MEF”), in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”),
The new commercial advertisements law, Prakas 167, provides the official fees, timeline, and validity period for the compliance certificate under Sub-Decree 232 on the Management of Commercial Advertisements of Goods and Services (Sub-decree 232) dated 4 November 2022.
Pursuant to Sub-decree 232, in addition to the requirement to obtain a commercial advertising license/permit from the competent authority, any individual who wishes to advertise their goods and/or services may request the compliance certificate or renewal of the compliance certificate from the MOC. This serves as a written certification of the advertisements’ compliance with the Law on Consumer Protection or other applicable regulations.
What are the new timelines for Cambodian commercial advertising compliance certificates?
The official fees and timelines for the compliance certificates issued by the MOC are as follows:
The issuance of compliance certificates with the validity period of 1 year will involve a fee of 600,000 Riel (approximately $150) and the timeline for issuance is 5 business days.
The issuance of compliance certificates with the validity period of 6 months will involve a fee of 400,000 Riel (approximately $100) and the timeline for issuance is 5 business days.
The issuance of compliance certificates with the validity period of 3 months will involve a fee of 200,000 Riel (approximately $50) and the timeline for issuance is 5 business days.
The official fees and timelines for the compliance certificates extended by the MOC are as follows:
Extending validity compliance certificates with the validity period by 1 year will involve a fee of 400,000 Riel (approximately $100) and the timeline for issuance is 3 business days.
Extending validity compliance certificates with the validity period by 6 months will involve a fee of 200,000 Riel (approximately $50) and the timeline for issuance is 3 business days.
Extending validity compliance certificates with the validity period by 3 year will involve a fee of 100,000 Riel (approximately $25) and the timeline for issuance is 3 business days.
To note, if a person violates any provisions outlined in Prakas 167, that person will be penalised pursuant to Articles 19, 20, or 21 of the preceding Sub-Decree 232. Further, the imposition of any penalties under Sub-Decree 232 will not release an offender from any applicable criminal and civil liability.
How important is Commercial Advertising to Cambodia’s economy?
Commercial advertising has become an integral part of Cambodia’s economy in recent years. As the country continues to experience economic growth, businesses are increasingly relying on advertising to reach their target audience and promote their products and services and the government has been instrumental in helping to develop the sector.
The history of commercial advertising in Cambodia can be traced back to the early 1990s when the country began to open up to foreign investment. At that time, advertising was largely limited to print media such as newspapers and magazines. However, with the advent of new technology, advertising has evolved significantly over the years.
Today, commercial advertising in Cambodia is a thriving industry that encompasses a wide range of media, including television, radio, billboards, and social media. With a population of over 16 million people, Cambodia provides a large market for businesses looking to advertise their products and services.
The Cambodian government has played a crucial role in the development of the commercial advertising sector. In recent years, the government has implemented several measures to promote the growth of the advertising industry. One such measure is the establishment of the Cambodia Advertising Council (CAC), which is responsible for promoting ethical advertising practices and regulating the industry.
If you need any more information about this commercial advertisements in Cambodia, or any other laws concerning business or investment in Cambodia, contact our expert team, today!