CAC News

Phnom Penh, July 31, 2026 — The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has launched a nationwide campaign to promote and simplify the registration of Cambodian Halal certification, aiming to enhance product quality, increase consumer confidence and strengthen the country's access to international Halal markets.

The campaign was officially inaugurated on Friday at the Ministry of Commerce by H.E. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce and Chairwoman of the Cambodian Halal Product Inspection Committee. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Senior Minister Othsman Hassan, Vice Chairman of the Cambodian Halal Product Inspection Committee, along with representatives from government ministries, the National Committee for the Promotion of the One Village One Product (OVOP) Movement, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, business associations, private enterprises and the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Cham Nimul described the initiative as the first joint campaign organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Cambodian Halal Product Inspection Committee to promote awareness of Halal certification while making the registration process more efficient and accessible for businesses.

She said the campaign is expected to improve product quality, increase value addition and help Cambodian products become more competitive in both domestic and international markets.

The campaign introduces several reforms under a revised Ministry of Commerce Prakas governing the issuance of Cambodian Halal Standard Technical Certificates. The updated regulations simplify the application process by reducing the processing period from 90 working days to 60 working days, extending certificate validity from one year to two years, allowing businesses to expand their registered product lists, and providing clearer registration procedures for sole proprietors. The advance renewal notification period has also been extended from 30 days to 90 days before certificate expiration.

In addition to streamlining certification, the campaign aims to raise public awareness of Halal standards and encourage businesses to adopt the official Cambodian Halal logo. Officials also highlighted regulations governing the unauthorized use of Halal branding, emphasizing that only certified products are permitted to display the Cambodian Halal logo.

During the event, Senior Minister Othsman Hassan presented the history and development of Halal certification in Cambodia and shared insights into opportunities in major Halal export markets. Technical specialists from the Cambodian Halal Product Inspection Committee also conducted presentations on the certification process, while representatives from local companies shared their experiences in obtaining Halal certification and expanding into new markets.

The nationwide promotion campaign will run from July through December 2026. After its launch in Phnom Penh, the program will expand to key provinces including Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot-Kep and Preah Sihanouk, where dedicated service centers will provide businesses with on-site consultation, technical guidance and assistance in completing certification applications.

Silot Uon, president of CAC, says the initiative could create new export opportunities for Cambodian food producers, including agricultural processors such as the cashew industry, by helping businesses meet internationally recognized Halal standards and gain access to rapidly growing Muslim consumer markets worldwide.

Reference: FB MoC