Cambodian authorities have prohibited the import, sale and distribution of second-hand and counterfeit telecommunications equipment, pointing to their possible role in online scam operations along with environmental concerns. The Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) revealed the measure on September 22, noting that it covers mobile phones, tablets, computers, walkie-talkies and other communications devices.

In its notice, the TRC cautioned that these products could endanger public safety and health, interfere with essential national services, damage the environment and be exploited in online fraud schemes.

The regulator said it had spotted such items being offered for sale on websites and across social media platforms.

Legal Violations

According to the TRC, many of the devices on the market did not carry a Qualified Agent (QA) certificate, Type Approval (TA) certificates for specific models, or import permits granted by the regulator. As a result, they breach Articles 15 and 16 of the Telecommunications Law and associated regulations.

The agency stressed that certain products, especially mobile phones and walkie-talkies, present a serious threat to critical national services such as public safety, emergency response, national security, aviation, navigation and military radio communications, since they may interfere with the frequencies these services rely on.

Safety and Health Risks

Additional dangers include unsafe batteries and charging systems, electrical faults and severe overheating that could spark fires. The TRC also warned that such equipment might surpass allowed electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits, posing potential health risks, and could fail to comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.

The regulator further noted that devices designed for other markets may include altered hardware or software that leads to weak performance, causing consumers to waste money and time on substandard goods.

Beyond that, the equipment could be used by criminals for technology-driven online scams, while also adding to environmental damage as the devices eventually turn into electronic waste.

Compliance Deadline

The TRC has ordered all businesses to immediately stop illegal operations and move toward legal compliance. Companies have up to 60 days from the date of the notice to apply for a Qualified Agent certificate, which would allow them to lawfully import, supply and distribute telecommunications equipment.

Businesses are also required to ensure that they only import, supply, distribute, advertise and resell new telecommunications equipment sourced from clear, legitimate and certified suppliers.

The regulator warned that companies, wholesalers and retailers that carry on with these activities will face tough consequences, including confiscation of illegal equipment, fines, the shutdown of advertising websites and other steps under the relevant laws and regulations.