Bank partnerships drive GDCE e-payments to 92% of revenue

Bank partnerships drive GDCE e-payments to 92% of revenue

The continued expansion of e-payment systems is expected to sustain this upward trend while reinforcing transparency and efficiency in Cambodia’s customs operations.

The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) has recorded a significant shift in revenue collection method, citing that electronic payments now account for over 90 percent of customs revenue.

According to a GDCE report yesterday, the rise in e-payments has been supported by a growing network of commercial bank partnerships. Between 2013 and early 2026, a total of 13 banks signed memoranda of understanding with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to provide customs and excise revenue collection services. These partnerships have enabled the integration of electronic payment systems into Cambodia’s customs framework.

Central to this transformation is the implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), a digital platform widely used around the world to manage customs declarations and streamline trade procedures. Through this system, GDCE and its partner banks have introduced an e-Payment function that allows businesses to pay duties and taxes electronically.

By the first quarter of 2026, the GDCE reported that 92 percent of customs revenue was collected via e-Payments, marking a sharp increase compared to previous years when cash and manual transactions dominated the system. Officials described the achievement as a testament to strong cooperation between public institutions and private sector stakeholders, particularly commercial banks that have played a key role in facilitating the transition.

The report also noted that three additional banks are currently in the process of joining the e-payment system, a move expected to further expand access and improve efficiency across the sector.

The shift toward digital payments has brought significant benefits to businesses, including exporters, importers, and customs brokers. Electronic transactions offer greater convenience, speed, and accuracy, while reducing the risk of errors in tax calculations. For customs officials, the system has improved the ability to monitor transactions in real time, generate reports, and ensure the timely transfer of revenue to the national budget.

The digital push aligns with Cambodia’s broader economic reform agenda. GDCE Director General Kun Nhem recently emphasised that enhancing trade facilitation and expanding the use of information technology remain top priorities for the agency. He noted that these efforts are essential to improving operational efficiency and supporting the country’s economic growth.

In January 2026, GDCE launched its new Action Plan, which focuses heavily on digital modernisation and trade facilitation. The plan aims to strengthen institutional capacity, improve compliance and enforcement, and deepen cooperation with other government agencies and the private sector. It also prioritises further development of IT systems to simplify cross-border trade procedures.

The progress comes against a backdrop of strong revenue performance. In 2025, GDCE collected approximately KHR 12,760.5 billion, equivalent to around $3.2 billion, surpassing its annual target by 24 percent. The continued expansion of e-payment systems is expected to sustain this upward trend while reinforcing transparency and efficiency in Cambodia’s customs operations.

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