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I recall reading here in the past that customs/immigration pretty much don't check what you bring in. I've never had any issues myself.

But here's my situation.. I've been bringing back some particular hair care products from my home country for Mrs Cargo that she really likes and is unavailable in Cambodia. It really has done wonders for her hair.. so much so that her friends have noticed how nice and long her hair is now. Anyway, last trip I brought extra back and a couple of her friends have tried them and they want more..

I can bring more back, but I'm worried it might raise suspicions if my checked luggage is loaded up with these products which might look like they are for more than just for personal use.

A bit of googling and it seems one has to declare anything with a value over $US300. I'm not sure what would happen if it's over and not declared and they somehow find out. Whether there is some sort of excise applicable? Would they impose a fine or something more severe?

So I don't know whether it's a risk worth taking or not to bring more back..

Do any members have knowledge or experience in situations such as this?

I would contact the manufacturer for help getting in a mini container.
If you don't want to make a business out of it, put your foot down.
This is a wildly successful market segment in Cambodia.
It's all over fb with phone video marketing.

clutchcargo wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 7:41 pm
that she really likes and is unavailable in Cambodia. It really has done wonders for her hair.. so much so that her friends have noticed how nice and long her hair is now. Anyway, last trip I brought extra back and a couple of her friends have tried them and they want more..
I can bring more back, but might look like they are for more than just for personal use.

..it might raise suspicions

LOL
It might indeed.

(PS, a mate of mine with an advertising agency is looking for a good copy writer - 'need a (3rd) job, Clutch?)

I dont see a problem unless you have suitcases full of woman's hair products.

clutchcargo wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 7:41 pm Anyway, last trip I brought extra back and a couple of her friends have tried them and they want more..

Is there a whitening agent in it?

frank lee bent wrote: ↑Thu Oct 17, 2019 9:42 pm I would contact the manufacturer for help getting in a mini container.
If you don't want to make a business out of it, put your foot down.
This is a wildly successful market segment in Cambodia.
It's all over fb with phone video marketing.

There's definitely a growing market for this and personal care products with the young ladies.. and especially now that many are putting colour in the hair and using styling wands etc which really dries their hair out and causes split ends. There's a market niche there I reckon for intensive repair/moisturising hair care products.

So yeah I reckon there's a business opportunity there. From what I know, the manufacturer issues exclusive import/distribution rights for selected countries...I know that to be the case for the UK and Australia for example.

My days of working for a living are over but there could be something there for Mrs Cargo. At this stage, we were looking at testing the products a bit more.. a step at a time and all that. Hence why I wanted to bring more back privately at this stage. I guess the next step, if it's viable, is to go the way you describe FLB and import the stuff as a business and deal with customs duty/excise et al (not that I know anything about the mechanics of that).

Anchor Moy wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 3:13 am I dont see a problem unless you have suitcases full of woman's hair products.

Well I guess that's what it would involve..a suitcase nearly full of that..or, maybe 2 half filled instead which would be better I guess.

I think someone once mentioned the incoming baggage gets scanned before being loaded on the baggage carousel.

I just don't know what level risk there is if I attempt to bring too much in my checked baggage and whether it's wise to declare it or not. And if I do declare it what happens?

clutchcargo wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 6:58 am I just don't know what level risk there is if I attempt to bring too much in my checked baggage and whether it's wise to declare it or not. And if I do declare it what happens?

Why don't you research the relevant Cambodian law?
(and I don't mean on CEO)

Cruisemonkey wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 7:18 am

clutchcargo wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 6:58 am I just don't know what level risk there is if I attempt to bring too much in my checked baggage and whether it's wise to declare it or not. And if I do declare it what happens?

Why don't you research the relevant Cambodian law?
(and I don't mean on CEO)

Yeah thanks..I did have a quick look earlier and according to the customs declaration form, you don't have to declare personal use items but you do commercial goods. I'll have to have another look but I think a limit of $300 was mentioned elsewhere.

So technically I would be pushing explaining its for personal use if I bring too much. I could say that they are gifts for friends I suppose.. but they might not believe. The form says there are fines for false declarations etc.

There's info on the duties payable on the customs website that I will check also.

General question
Has anybody, or anybody you know personally, had their bags searched at Pochentong?
Particularly if carrying big bags of anything?

Good luck to the Ms with this venture, Clutch
It is a potential gold mine - IF you can get ahead of the pack.