Cambodia’s Advertising Law update at the AmCham Legal Committee’s Business Law Conclave
Credit Picture: Cambodia Investment Review
“The major changes to laws on advertising which came into effect in 2022 were Sub Decree No. 232 on the Management of Advertising on Products and Services and Prakas No. 249”, commented Managing Partner Matthew Rendall at the inaugural Business Law Conclave held by the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia on 2 February 2023 at the Hyatt Regency
Aiming to highlight and discuss the key developments for new legislation and regulation relevant to businesses operating in the Kingdom, the conclave gathered the business community, including CEOs, legal professionals, and Government officials.
Matthew Rendall focused on the key legal updates on advertising in Cambodia, focusing in particular on licensing requirements and the recent introduction of a Certificate of Compliance, under Sub-Decree No. 232.
Every advertiser has always been required to obtain an advertising license to advertise any commercial goods and/or services in Cambodia. A specific license from a particular authority may be required depending on the product being advertised, such as a license from the Ministry of Health for the advertisement of any pharmaceuticals.
In addition to the license, advertisers may now also apply for a Certificate of Compliance (“CoC”), which is used to confirm the accuracy and appropriateness of the articles or contents of the advertisements in question, to ensure that they are in compliance with the Law on Consumer Protection and other regulations. Matthew Rendall did however note that based on a strict interpretation of the law, the CoC is not yet mandatory but highly recommended.
The new Sub-Decree also specifies new and further obligations for advertisements with rewards, such as but not limited to, an obligation to provide clear information on the location for obtaining the rewards; has a refined list of what is considered to be “prohibited content” and has made it mandatory for the Khmer language to dominate the ad unless an exception applies.
If you have any questions about the new advertising laws, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
About The Cambodia Amcham Business Law Conclave:
This inaugural event was held in conjunction with the inauguration of AmCham’s new Legal Committee. In this annual event to be held by AmCham, legal experts will give presentations about relevant laws and regulations not to be missed by those doing business in Cambodia.
