Customs Clears Meat After Illegal Import Claim
Hundreds of tonnes of meat seized this week after they were allegedly imported illegally were later found to have legitimate documents, the General Department of Customs and Excise says. Photo: GDCE
- By Torn Chanritheara
- December 8, 2023 11:55 AM
PHNOM PENH – Hundreds of tonnes of meat seized this week after they were allegedly imported illegally were later found to have legitimate documents, the General Department of Customs and Excise says.
It said allegations from other officials, circulated on social media, that the imports were illegal were false.
The meat including pork, chicken, beef and buffalo were confiscated by the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production of Ministry of Agriculture during inspection of a cold storage facility in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district.
Hun Sarath, deputy director-general of animal health and production, said 370 tonnes of illegal frozen meat in 24,424 cases had been found.
Customs officials inspected the warehouse. They said the meat from Italy, Brazil, Germany, Russia and India was imported in accordance with duties and taxes and in line with laws and regulations. Hygiene certificates from the exporting countries were valid.
The customs department cited sub-decree 17 dated Feb. 26, 2020 which require imported frozen meat to attach hygiene certificates but do not need an import permit or a similar legal document from the competent ministry in Cambodia.
It said it has prevented, confiscated and burned frozen meat that was smuggled into Cambodia through various corridors illegally in many cases with the cooperation with relevant institutions and authorities.
“Unfounded and misrepresentation of the above information has caused public confusion and negative consequences for the efforts of customs officials who are taking drastic measures to curb tax evasion,” the General Department of Customs and Excise said.
It called on all organizations, media and social media users to refrain from posting and sharing false information that could lead to social unrest and harm, and affect authorities, importers and distributors of frozen meat which follow the law.
