Introduction
In early 2026, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (“MLMUPC“) issued two significant Prakas aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, safety standards, and accountability in Cambodia’s construction sector.
On 29 January 2026, MLMUPC issued Prakas No. 008 DNS/K.K.C/PRK on Certificate of Elevator Use (“Prakas No. 008“), establishing a comprehensive regime governing the certification, continued use, and compliance obligations relating to elevators across both construction and non-construction contexts. This was followed by the issuance of Prakas No. 033 DNS/PRK/K.K.C on 31 March 2026 on Licence for Elevator Installation (“Prakas No. 033“), establishing the conditions and procedures for the issuance, suspension, and revocation of the licence for elevator installation.
This Update highlights the key features of both Prakas No. 008 and Prakas No. 033.
Key Features of Prakas No. 008
Scope of Application
Prakas No. 008 applies to all types of elevators used in building construction and non-building construction.
Conditions for Elevator Use
All types of elevators may only be put into use if they meet the following conditions:
- The elevators are installed in construction projects that are not prohibited by the competent authorities;
- A valid certificate of elevator use issued by MLMUPC is displayed; and
- The elevators must undergo regular quality and safety inspections as required.
Formalities for Issuance of a Certificate of Elevator Use
To obtain a certificate of elevator use, the applicant must submit an application and required supporting documents to MLMUPC’s One-Window Service Office. Applications may be filed separately or with the certificate of occupancy and may cover multiple elevators on the same construction project, but each elevator will receive its own certificate. The review process takes up to 21 working days from issuance of the application receipt.
The certificate is valid indefinitely; however, the construction owner must arrange quality and safety inspections every two years to continue using the elevator.
Certification Letter of Elevator Safety and Quality
As part of the conditions for elevator use, the construction owner must arrange for a quality and safety inspection once every two years by an inspector licensed by MLMUPC. Where the inspection identifies technical issues that may compromise user safety, the inspector must require the construction owner to repair or replace the elevator system before issuing a certification letter of elevator safety and quality.
To obtain a certification letter of elevator safety and quality, the applicant must submit an application form and required supporting documents to MLMUPC’s One-Window Service Office. Upon approval, the National Construction Laboratory (“NCL“) shall update the elevator database and send the certification letter within two working days, and the One-Window Service Office will issue such certification letter to the applicant within one working day.
Penalties
A building owner’s non-compliance with Prakas No. 008 may trigger administrative measures, including a written warning, suspension, or revocation of the certificate of elevator use. These may be applied where inspections are missed, remedial measures are not implemented, or the elevator is dismantled or deemed unsafe due to irreparable damage.
Operating an elevator without a valid certificate of elevator use may result in an immediate order to cease operations until the prescribed compliance measures are met.
Any person whose interests are affected by a decision of the Director General of NCL or the Minister of MLMUPC has a right to lodge a complaint with MLMUPC in accordance with applicable procedures in force.
Commencement of the Implementation
Building owners who operated elevators before the issuance of Prakas No. 008 have a one-year transitional period to apply for a certificate of elevator use. During this time, they remain responsible for safe operation and are not exempt from civil or criminal liability. After the transitional period, MLMUPC may enforce sanctions under the Law on Construction and other applicable regulations. If licensed inspectors are unavailable, owners may request MLMUPC to conduct a technical assessment for issuance of the certificate.
Key Features of Prakas No. 033
Scope of Application
Prakas No. 033 applies to all types of elevators, except those used at construction sites.
Levels of Licence for Elevator Installation
MLMUPC is the competent authority administering the new installation, repair, and replacement of elevators. Licence for elevator installation is classified into two levels as follows:
- Level 1 Licence: issued to entities carrying out the installation, repair, and replacement of elevators for all types of construction; and
- Level 2 Licence: issued to entities carrying out the installation, repair, and replacement of elevators for construction projects for which the construction permits are issued by the Governors of Municipalities, Provinces, Cities, Districts, or Khans.
Conditions for Issuance of Licence for Elevator Installation
To obtain a licence for elevator installation, the applicant is required to fulfil the following conditions:
| Condition | Level 1 Licence | Level 2 Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Registration |
|
|
| A Technical Director |
|
|
| Technical Professionals |
|
|
| Insurance Certificate |
|
|
Formalities for Issuance of a Licence for Elevator Installation
To obtain the relevant licence, the applicant must submit a set of supporting documents, in Khmer language, to MLMUPC’s One-Window Service Office, including documentation relating to the applicant entity, its technical directors, and technical professionals, including evidence of qualifications and experience. The review process is up to 15 working days from issuance of the application receipt.
A licence for elevator installation is valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance and is renewable. Applications for renewal must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to expiry, failing which the renewal will be treated as a new licence application.
A licence holder whose licence has expired may continue to perform obligations under service agreements entered into while the licence was valid; however, no new agreements may be executed after the licence has expired.
Formalities for Foreign Entities and Professionals
Foreign entities incorporated under foreign laws applying for a licence for elevator installation in Cambodia must submit an authorisation letter executed by the entity’s chairperson. Where foreign national directors or professionals are involved, the application must include valid work permits and employment cards, and documents evidencing lawful long‑term stay in Cambodia. Documents evidencing working experience must be certified by the relevant foreign embassy or consulate in Cambodia.
Penalties
Reported violations will be investigated by NCL. Depending on the nature and severity of the non‑compliance, licence holders may be subject to administrative sanctions, including a written warning, suspension (up to 90 days), or revocation of the licence for elevator installation.
Any person whose interests are affected by a decision of the Minister of MLMUPC has a right to lodge a complaint with MLMUPC in accordance with the applicable procedures in force.
If you have any queries on the above, please feel free to contact our team members set out on this page, who will be happy to assist.
For regional Construction & Projects matters, please see Rajah & Tann Asia’s Construction, Infrastructure & Projects Practice for more information.
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