Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable (pickled)
Industry PositionProcessed Food Product
Market
Pickled cucumber in Cambodia is a small, import-supplied packaged condiment market typically traded under HS 200110 (cucumbers and gherkins preserved by vinegar or acetic acid). UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Cambodia imported about USD 64.98k (127,722 kg) in 2023 while exporting about USD 1.90k (3,798 kg), indicating net-importer status. Imports in 2023 were sourced from multiple partners (including the United States and India by value), while exports were minimal and mainly recorded to the Republic of Korea. Market-access risk is dominated by Cambodia’s labeling and food-safety compliance regime, including strict actions against non-compliant labels and Khmer-language requirements where nutrition information is provided.
Market RoleNet importer (minor exporter)
Domestic RolePrimarily an imported, packaged condiment/side product for retail and foodservice use
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable imports rather than harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Firm texture and uniform cut size (whole/slices/spears) are typical buyer quality checks for retail-ready pickles.
Compositional Metrics- Acidity control (acidified brine/vinegar) is central to shelf stability and sensory profile.
- Salt and (where used) sugar balance are key taste drivers in finished products.
Packaging- Sealed retail packs (commonly jars or cans) with brine/vinegar covering product
- Batch/lot identification for traceability and recall readiness
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas manufacturing/packing → international freight → Cambodia customs declaration (SAD via ASYCUDA World) → border/market controls as applicable → importer/wholesaler → retail & foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient handling is typical for sealed shelf-stable pickles; protect from excessive heat and container damage during inland transport.
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable when sealed and stored as directed; once opened, product handling typically shifts to refrigerated storage per label instructions.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliant labeling is a deal-breaker in Cambodia: MoC Prakas No. 329 (1999) bans importation/circulation/sale/display for sale of foods without appropriate labels or with labels that do not meet legal requirements, and allows seizure/return/destruction measures in enforcement.Implement a Cambodia label compliance checklist (including Khmer language needs, required product identity/party/origin/net content/lot and date markings/ingredients/expiry/usage instructions) and run pre-shipment label artwork verification before dispatch.
Food Safety MediumPickled cucumbers are acidified foods; inadequate acidification/processing controls can create microbiological hazards and trigger regulatory action, recalls, or buyer delisting under Cambodia’s food safety framework.Use HACCP-based controls and validation for critical parameters (acidification targets, heat treatment where applicable, container integrity) and maintain documented testing/verification aligned with Codex hygiene/HACCP principles.
Logistics MediumFreight and inland distribution cost volatility can materially affect landed cost for bulky, relatively low unit-value packaged pickles supplied into Cambodia, creating pricing instability for import programs.Optimize pack formats and palletization, diversify suppliers/routes (land vs sea), and use forward purchasing or contract logistics where feasible to reduce exposure.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms declaration requires minimum supporting documents and, where applicable, additional permits/certificates depending on commodity controls; missing documents can delay clearance and increase demurrage/storage costs.Align shipping documents (invoice, packing list, transport docs) and pre-check whether any special permits/certificates apply before shipment; ensure broker readiness in ASYCUDA World.
Sustainability- Packaging waste (glass/plastic/metal containers) and end-of-life disposal constraints can increase buyer scrutiny for packaged imported foods in Cambodia’s urban markets.
- Brine/wastewater handling becomes a sustainability concern if any local repacking or processing is involved.
Labor & Social- No product-specific labor controversy was identified in the sources reviewed for pickled cucumber in Cambodia; key social risk is hygiene compliance in handling/repacking and foodservice environments.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management
- ISO 22000 (where required by buyers)
- BRCGS Food Safety (for strict retail programs)
FAQ
Which label elements are most critical to avoid import blockage for pickled cucumbers in Cambodia?Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce Prakas No. 329 (1999) prohibits importing or selling food products that lack appropriate labels or have labels that do not meet legal requirements. The Prakas lists key elements such as product name, responsible business name/address, source/origin, net content, lot number and manufacturing date, expiry date, ingredients, and usage instructions where applicable.
Is nutrition information mandatory on pre-packaged pickled cucumbers sold in Cambodia?Under Ministry of Commerce Prakas No. 0059 (22 February 2022), providing nutrition information on pre-packaged food labels is a voluntary practice. However, if nutrition information is provided (or nutrition claims/functions are made), the label must follow the Prakas requirements and be presented in Khmer or attached in Khmer.
Is Cambodia a net importer or exporter of pickled cucumbers?Cambodia is a net importer for HS 200110 (cucumbers and gherkins preserved by vinegar/acetic acid). WITS (UN Comtrade) data for 2023 shows imports of about USD 64.98k (127,722 kg) versus exports of about USD 1.90k (3,798 kg).
What are the minimum customs documents typically needed to import packaged pickled cucumbers into Cambodia?Cambodia’s National Trade Repository guidance indicates that imports must be declared through Customs (SAD via ASYCUDA World) with minimum supporting documents including a commercial invoice (or contract of sale), transport documents (e.g., bill of lading/air waybill), and a packing list. Additional licenses, permits, or certificates may be required depending on the commodity and applicable controls.