The changing role and responsibilities of cambodia customs

Abstract

This paper examines the possibility and rationale for changes in the role and responsibilities of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), also known as Cambodia Customs, and what the primary roles and responsibilities will look like in the next decades. After that, it examines the possible impacts of international organisations, agreements, and initiatives on the operation of GDCE. After identifying the research purposes, the research paper is carried out by using a qualitative research method. The research uses desk-based research and document analysis for data collection and analysis to extract necessary research data to meet the research objectives. The researcher is currently a customs officer at the GDCE and can access all internal and confidential documents to fulfil the research objectives. Therefore, it is more practical and efficient to collect secondary data, which have been available already. Over the decades, the role and responsibilities of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), also known as Cambodia Customs, have significantly changed because of the country situation, government priorities, and the increasing volume of international trade. In addition, the emergence of globalisation, international organisations, agreements, conventions, and initiatives have impacted the way GDCE fulfils the responsibilities and have played a part to change the role and broaden the responsibilities of GDCE. The GDCE has the responsibility for ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue collection and suppressing and preventing illicit trade activities to protect border security and people’s welfare, at the same time, promoting trade facilitation. With a vision to contribute to the Royal Government of Cambodia’s goal to become an upper medium-income country by 2030 and become a high-income country by 2050, GDCE is working towards becoming a modern customs administration which will play a role as a facilitator in providing services to enhance business climate.