On 22 September 2026, the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) officially issued a notice prohibiting the import, supply and distribution of counterfeit and second-hand telecom equipment, in order to curb the inflow of non-compliant devices. Relevant importers and distributors must complete compliance remediation within 60 days.
Key policy requirements
Scope of the ban
- No entity may import or sell counterfeit or second-hand telecom hardware, including mobile phones, routers and network equipment
- Only brand-new authorised products may be sold
Market access requirements
- Type Approval (TA) certificate: every device must hold a TA certificate issued by TRC
- Qualified Agent (QA) status: importers, distributors and other relevant entities must hold a QA certificate granted by TRC, or apply for an Import Permit (IP)
60-day remediation window
- Companies must bring their business into compliance with the above requirements within 60 days of the notice date (22 September 2026).
Key risks behind the regulatory upgrade
TRC noted that non-compliant second-hand and counterfeit telecom equipment poses multiple threats to Cambodia’s public interest:
- Uncertified devices can be tampered with to alter RF parameters and transmit power, causing radio interference to core radio communication services used by public safety, emergency services, national security, aviation, maritime and defence;
- Non-compliant batteries and charging systems can overheat and catch fire;
- Excessive electromagnetic fields (EMF) and failure to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements threaten human health;
- Unofficial hardware and software modifications lead to degraded performance and unreliable quality, causing consumers to lose time and money;
- Devices may be used for online fraud and other technical crimes;
- Some second-hand electronic equipment from abroad is essentially e-waste that pollutes the local environment.
Penalties for non-compliance
Relevant entities must comply within 60 days of the notice. If they fail to do so, TRC will take strict enforcement action, including:
- Confiscation of non-compliant telecom equipment
- Fines
- Closure of the entity’s online sales platforms
- Other penalties consistent with Cambodian laws and regulations