Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder/Crystals (anhydrous or hydrated)
Industry PositionFood Additive (Acidity Regulator / Buffer / Sequestrant)
Market
Trisodium citrate (INS 331(iii)) is used as a food additive (acidity regulator/buffer, sequestrant, stabilizer/emulsifying salt) and in Cambodia is primarily an imported industrial input for food and beverage manufacturing rather than a consumer retail product. Cambodia records imports under HS 291815 (salts and esters of citric acid) with 2022 imports reported at about USD 1.19 million, mainly sourced from China, indicating an import-dependent supply profile for this additive category. Import clearance for food and chemicals requires engagement with Cambodia’s consumer-protection and inspection authority (CCF, formerly CAMCONTROL) including a Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization and joint inspection processes with Customs. Supplier compliance is typically demonstrated via food-additive specifications (JECFA/FAO) and clear documentation that aligns product identity (INS/CAS) with commercial and safety documents.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleImported functional ingredient used by domestic food and beverage manufacturers and ingredient distributors
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Specification
Physical Attributes- Colourless, odourless crystals or white crystalline powder (FAO/JECFA specification)
- Freely soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol (FAO/JECFA specification)
Compositional Metrics- Assay: not less than 99.0% calculated on the dried basis (FAO/JECFA specification)
- Loss on drying limits differ by hydration state (e.g., anhydrous vs. dihydrate) (FAO/JECFA specification)
Grades- Food additive grade conforming to FAO/JECFA specifications for Trisodium citrate (INS 331(iii))
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas producer → Cambodian importer → CCF (formerly CAMCONTROL) Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization and border inspection → Customs declaration via ASYCUDA World → domestic warehousing/distribution to food manufacturers
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImport clearance can be blocked or severely delayed if the importer lacks the required CCF/CAMCONTROL Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization for food/chemical commodities or cannot present it alongside the required customs documentation at the border inspection step.Secure the Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization before shipment; run a document pre-check to ensure the authorization, SAD/ASYCUDA filing, invoice, packing list, and transport documents are consistent and ready for joint inspection.
Food Safety MediumFood manufacturers and inspectors may reject or escalate shipments if product quality cannot be demonstrated against recognized food-additive specifications for trisodium citrate (e.g., assay on dried basis and impurity limits such as lead), increasing the risk of non-conformance disputes or hold/rework costs.Require a COA aligned to FAO/JECFA trisodium citrate specifications and verify hydration state vs. loss-on-drying limits before dispatch; retain reference samples where feasible.
Supply Chain Concentration MediumCambodia’s imports for HS 291815 (a proxy category that includes sodium citrate) were heavily concentrated in China in 2022, creating vulnerability to supplier-side disruptions, trade frictions, or quality variability within a narrow sourcing base.Qualify at least one secondary origin/supplier and maintain safety stock for critical formulations where citrate buffering/sequestration is functional-critical.
FAQ
Which Cambodia agencies and steps commonly affect import clearance for trisodium citrate as a food/chemical input?Imports of food and chemicals commonly require a Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization and inspection by CCF (formerly CAMCONTROL) in coordination with Customs, alongside the Customs declaration process through ASYCUDA World.
What documents are the baseline for importing this product into Cambodia according to the National Trade Repository guidance?A customs declaration (SAD) submitted through ASYCUDA World is supported by at least a commercial invoice (or contract of sale), a transport document (bill of lading or air waybill), and a packing list; for food/chemicals, a CCF/CAMCONTROL Pre-Arrival Assessment authorization is also required.
What specification checks are commonly used to confirm trisodium citrate is food-additive grade?FAO/JECFA specifications for trisodium citrate (INS 331(iii)) include an assay not less than 99.0% on a dried basis, defined solubility behavior, and specified purity limits (including a lead limit); buyers commonly use these parameters as a baseline for COA review.