Phnom Penh: The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) has destroyed 107 types of illegal and substandard goods, weighing approximately 507 tonnes, as part of an ongoing crackdown on tax evasion and efforts to protect consumers and the public from unsafe products.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, at a destruction ceremony held on Feb. 28, GDCE Director-General H.E. Dr. Kun Nhim emphasised that this initiative is a continuation of the government’s commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding public health and safety. He noted that this was the largest-scale destruction event of its kind, aimed at eliminating a significant quantity of illegal, counterfeit, and hazardous goods.

GDCE worked closely with the Ministry of Commerce’s Consumer Protection, Competition, and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF) and the Ministry of Environment’s Hazardous Substances Management Department to assess the items and determine proper disposal methods. Special attention was given to the destruction of hazardous chemicals, which were incinerated using eco-friendly and high-safety technology at Chip Mong Insee Cement Corporation (EcoCycle Division) to prevent environmental and health risks.

H.E. Dr. Kun Nhim credited the success of this operation to the dedication of customs officers and relevant authorities, who have been actively working to intercept illegal imports and protect consumers from unsafe goods. The destruction event took place at Chip Mong Insee Cement Corporation’s facility in Prey Ta Prich village, Sdach Kong Khang Lech commune, Banteay Meas district, Kampot province. Authorities ensured that the disposal process was safe and environmentally responsible.