Cambodia Bans Imports of Used and Counterfeit Phones and Communications Gear

Cambodian authorities have prohibited the import, sale and distribution of second-hand and counterfeit telecommunications equipment, pointing to concerns that such devices could be exploited in online scam schemes and pose threats to the environment. The Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) issued the announcement on September 22, noting that the restriction covers mobile phones, tablets, computers, walkie-talkies and other communications hardware.

According to a notice from the TRC, these goods could endanger public safety and health, interrupt essential national services, damage the environment, and serve as tools for online fraud. The regulator said it had spotted such products being offered for sale on websites and across social media platforms.

Many of the devices on the market, the TRC said, did not have a Qualified Agent (QA) certificate, Type Approval (TA) certificates for specific models, or import permits from the regulator. It stated that this places them in breach of Articles 15 and 16 of the Telecommunications Law and associated regulations.

Risks to Critical Services and Public Health

The regulator cautioned that certain items, especially mobile phones and walkie-talkies, present a serious danger to vital national systems such as public safety, emergency response, national security, aviation, navigation and military radio networks, because they may interfere with the frequencies those services rely on.

Other concerns include faulty batteries and charging setups, electrical hazards, and severe overheating that could spark fires. Such equipment might also surpass approved electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits, putting users' health at risk, and fail to comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.

The TRC further explained that devices built for other markets may carry altered hardware or software that leads to poor functionality, causing consumers to waste both money and time on substandard products. Beyond that, the equipment could be used by criminals in technology-driven online scams and contributes to environmental damage as the devices eventually turn into electronic waste.

Compliance Requirements for Businesses

The regulator has directed all businesses to stop illegal operations at once and take measures to bring themselves in line with the law. Companies have a 60-day window from the date of the notice to apply to the TRC for a Qualified Agent certificate, which would allow them to legally import, supply and distribute telecommunications equipment.

They are also required to ensure they only import, supply, distribute, advertise and resell new telecommunications equipment sourced from clear, legitimate and certified suppliers.

The TRC warned that firms, wholesalers and retailers that persist with these activities will face tough consequences, including confiscation of illegal equipment, financial penalties, the shutdown of advertising websites and other actions permitted under the relevant laws and regulations.