PHNOM PENH: A recent story of nearly 400 tons of unregulated frozen meat being confiscated in Sen Sok has been declared false by the General Department of Customs and Excise, who says the frozen meat was imported in accordance with the correct tax and duty obligations.

On December 7, the Customs Department clarified that recent reports in the press and on social media regarding the seizure of illegally imported meat was false and possibly intended to create confusion and chaos in society by disseminating and sharing such false information.

According to the Department, it went to investigate the warehouse in question following the reports and found that the nearly 370 tons of frozen meat, which originated from Italy, Brazil, Germany, Russia, and India, was imported in accordance with the duties and taxes in accordance with laws and regulations. The Department confirmed that the imports were not expired and accompanied by certificates of hygiene from the countries of origin.

The Department stated that the import of frozen meat from abroad requires a veterinary certificate or a certificate of hygiene for meat and animal products from the exporting country and does not require the application for import permits or legal documents from ministries and institutions in Cambodia.

The Department also mentioned the prevention and seizure of substandard frozen meat that was smuggled illegally into Cambodia through various points of entry.

The Department of Customs and Excise called on all relevant agencies, institutions and social media users to refrain from posting and sharing false and confusing information that could cause social unrest and harm.