Cambodia has returned more than 78 tonnes of used tyres that were illegally imported through Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) identified the shipment as a violation of international customs laws, as the worn-out tyres were intended for disposal in Cambodia. The department ordered the four containers—holding 78,640 kilograms of tyres—to be sent back to their country of origin.

The tyres arrived in September 2024 and were flagged under the Basel Convention, which regulates the cross-border movement of hazardous waste. Authorities did not disclose the shipment's origin but confirmed that the containers left Cambodia on February 26. This case is part of broader enforcement efforts, with GDCE also preventing the illegal import of spoiled meat, narcotics, and substandard goods in 2024.

The GDCE reaffirmed its commitment to national security and environmental protection by closely monitoring imported goods. In addition to blocking illegal shipments, authorities recently destroyed over 500 tonnes of substandard goods. These actions highlight Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for hazardous waste.

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