Market
Pure cocoa powder (HS 180500) is present in Cambodia both as an import item for domestic food use and as an export-oriented processed ingredient. UN Comtrade data as presented by WITS indicates Cambodia exported cocoa powder (HS 180500) in 2024, with China among the main destinations. Cambodia also imported cocoa powder in 2024, with Thailand and Malaysia listed among top suppliers to Cambodia. Importers should plan for Cambodia’s food-import inspection/authorization workflow (CAMCONTROL/CCF) alongside customs clearance via ASYCUDA.
Market RoleEmerging processor and exporter (cocoa powder) with ongoing imports for domestic supply
Domestic RoleIndustrial ingredient for local food manufacturing and foodservice (bakery, confectionery/chocolate, dairy, beverage mixes)
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFood imports to Cambodia may be blocked or delayed if the importer lacks CAMCONTROL/CCF Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization and corresponding inspection approval at the border, as described in Cambodia’s National Trade Repository guidance.Confirm whether the product is treated as “food” under the CAMCONTROL/CCF scope and secure the Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization before shipment; align customs filing and CAMCONTROL/CCF submission checklists.
Food Safety MediumCocoa powder buyers and regulators may reject shipments over food-safety nonconformities (e.g., microbial contamination controls, moisture/spec noncompliance) relative to applicable standards and buyer specifications.Use supplier QA programs with COA/COC, moisture control, and hygiene/food-safety system certification (e.g., HACCP/FSSC 22000) matched to buyer requirements.
Logistics MediumSea-freight schedule variability and container-rate swings can disrupt delivery timing and landed-cost assumptions for cocoa powder shipments into or out of Cambodia.Build lead-time buffers, lock freight where feasible, and use packaging/palletization that minimizes damage and moisture exposure during port dwell time.
Labor And Human Rights MediumUpstream cocoa sourcing from high-risk origins can trigger heightened scrutiny for child labor/forced labor risks in cocoa-derived products, creating reputational and customer-access risk even when final processing occurs in Cambodia.Implement origin transparency for cocoa inputs, require supplier social-compliance evidence, and align with recognized cocoa sector due-diligence expectations for high-risk origins.
Sustainability- Deforestation-risk screening and traceability for cocoa-related supply chains when serving jurisdictions with deforestation-free requirements (e.g., EU Regulation 2023/1115 covers cocoa and derived products).
- Climate and land-use impacts in upstream cocoa origins can create buyer-driven disclosure demands even when processing occurs in Cambodia.
Labor & Social- Cocoa supply chains have documented child-labor/forced-labor risk in certain origin countries; buyers and financiers may require enhanced due diligence and traceability for cocoa-derived products.
- Supplier social-compliance audits and grievance mechanisms may be requested for export programs even when Cambodia is the processing location.
Standards- FSSC 22000
- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- Halal (buyer/channel specific)
FAQ
What HS code is typically used for pure cocoa powder (without added sugar) in trade statistics?HS 180500 (“Cocoa powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter”) is the standard HS heading used in UN HS classifications and is the code shown in UN Comtrade/WITS trade tables for this product.
Does Cambodia export cocoa powder in recent trade statistics?Yes. The WITS interface to UN Comtrade reports Cambodia exports of HS 180500 in 2024, with China listed among the leading destination markets by value.
Which Cambodia authority is referenced for import inspection/authorization of food products?Cambodia’s National Trade Repository guidance describes CAMCONTROL (now the Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General—CCF) as the agency handling commercial inspection and notes that a Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization is required for importing food items, to be presented for border inspection alongside customs processing.