Cambodia is rapidly filling in the gaps in its legal system, passing important legislation all the time. To keep abreast of these developments, this tracker will monitor drafts as they progress through the legislative process. Only laws and the most important sub-decrees and regulations will be reported.  For more in-depth updates and analysis, please refer to our firm’s monthly newsletter – here. The text of the promulgated laws, and certain draft laws, are available at our legal database.

The information in this tracker is based on news reports in the local press. While such sources can be relied on for important milestones in the legislative process, they do not typically report when a proposal has been abandoned. Drafts can be under consideration for months, if not years.

Legislation Status Summary
Public Procurement Law Under draft at Ministry of Economy and Finance, expected to be sent to Council of Ministers in May 2011. [5/2011] Would require public, competitive bidding on government contracts.
Disaster Law Expected to be submitted to Council of Ministers in early 2011. [12/2010] Would cover response and mitigation of a range of disasters.
Acid Control Law Ministry of Interior expects to submit a draft to the Council of Ministers by the end of 2010. [11/2010] Regulates acids and requires licensing of vendors.
Sub-Decree on Micro-Insurance Industry Signed by Ministry of Economy and Finance, pending approval by Council of Ministers. [9/2010] Regulates providers of low-cost insurance. See Post Article.
Sub-Decree on Migrant Labor Recruitment Agencies Signed by Labor Ministry, pending approval by Council of Ministers. [9/2010] Regulates agencies which recruit laborers to work abroad.
Sub-Decree on Hiring of Disabled Workers Signed by Council of Ministers. [8/2010] Mandates quotas for large employers to hire disabled persons, and establishes incentives for smaller employers to do so as well.
Sub-Decree on Agricultural Investment Under draft at Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. [7/2010] Would require and regulate investment contracts in the agricultural sector.
Juvenile Criminal Procedures Under draft at Council of Ministers. [7/2010] Procedural rules relating to detention, trial and incarceration of minors.
Amendments to Civil Procedure Code Approved by National Assembly, goes to Senate for debate before signing by King. [6/2010] Amends the 2006 Civil Procedure Code to deal with proceedings that do not result in a law suit.
Trade Union Law Working group has formalized a first draft and invited public comment, aiming to finalize proposal to Government by end of 2010. [5/2010] Would supplement and/or replace the Labor Law’s provisions relating to unionization.
Family Dispute Law Draft approved by National Assembly on 4/26/2010, goes to Senate for debate. [4/2010] Sets procedures for divorces, child-support obligations, and related matters.
Water Traffic Law Draft circulating for discussion, intended submission to Council of Ministers by end of 2010. [4/2010] Regulates ship registration and safety.
Foreign Ownership of Real Estate Signed into law by King, May 2010 Allows foreigners to own property in co-owned buildings.
Acid Control Law Technical committee is drafting a bill, will then be forwarded to Council of Ministers for consideration[3/2010] Regulates acids and requires licensing of vendors.
Anti-Corruption Law Passed by Senate, goes to King for signature before becoming law. [3/2010] Establishes new anti-corruption bodies, text available here.
Prakas on SECC Accreditation for Cash Settlement Institutions Published by SECC on March 18, 2010. [3/2010] Specifies accreditation requirements for financial institutions providing cash settlement in securities trading.
Prakas on SECC Accreditation for Lawyers Draft published by Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia, public comment sought. [3/2010] Specifies accreditation requirements for lawyers providing services in the securities sector.
Amendment to Traffic Laws Drafting of proposal by Ministries [3/2010] Changes various provisions to traffic laws, including mandatory insurance requirement.
NGO Law Draft approved by Council of Ministers, goes to National Assembly for debate. [2/2010] Establishes new registration, institutional structure, and reporting obligations for local associations and non-governmental organizations.
Property Tax Government has announced formation of a body to study proposals. [2/2010] Establishes an annual tax of 0.1 percent on properties valued at over $25,000.
Pharmacy Regulatory Board Draft approved by Council of Ministers, goes to National Assembly for debate. [2/2010] Creates body to oversee and regulate pharmacies.
Criminal Code Passed into legislation in late 2009, the First Book, dealing with general matters, came into effect January 1, 2010. The rest will come into effect November 30, 2010. [1/2010] Complete redraft of the criminal code, including bribery and corruption provisions.
Civil Code Passed into legislation in 2007, it is not the law of the land until implementing legislation is passed. Council of Ministers approved implementation in November 2010, goes to National Assembly next. [11/2010] Complete redraft of the civil code, including contract, tort, and property provisions.

Last updated: 5/5/2010