Cambodia adds new rules for frozen meat imports
Cambodia has introduced additional measures concerning the import of frozen meats and other chilled goods, especially those originating in countries with higher Covid-19 caseloads, in a bid to stamp out the spread of the novel coronavirus. Effective from August 1, the move comes after the government incinerated three shipping containers carrying buffalo meat imported from India that were found to be contaminated with the virus. Additional certificates or certified statements indicating coronavirus-negative status will be strictly required for imports of frozen meat, issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin, the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) said in a letter published on July 30, signed by director-general Kun Nhem.
All imports of frozen meat and other chilled goods from India or neighboring countries with more severe outbreaks will have to be tested for the contagion by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, it said, adding that all packaging of these items must be sprayed with disinfectant. The GDCE did not specifically name the applicable neighboring countries, informs the Phnomphen Post newspaper.
These imports must be treated “in accordance with the risk management principles for frozen goods imported into Cambodia from other countries with a high risk of infection with the Covid-19 virus, before being allowed to arrange for the customs clearance of goods”, the GDCE said. It noted that the Customs Audit Department and the Department of Information Technology must work together to prepare and maintain a list of the countries deemed to be high risk for coronavirus infection, especially its Delta variant, and to identify mechanisms for random selection via an automated customs management system for shipping containers to be sampled for virus testing.
When a container is flagged for testing, customs authorities at the port of entry will notify and guide the owner of the goods through the process, which is to be conducted at the owner’s expense, the GDCE said.
A large part of Asia is under siege on COVID-19 Delta form of the virus and several countries that managed well the first waves of pandemics are now going back to restrictionary measures in food service, travel and tourism, or public gatherings.
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