Moc Bai in Tay Ninh province and Bavet in Svay Rieng province form the busiest road border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia, on the main corridor between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Here is what happens to a commercial shipment at each stage.
Stage 1 — Before the truck leaves
- Commercial invoice, packing list and sales contract finalised.
- Vietnamese export customs declaration submitted electronically; the system assigns a green, yellow or red channel.
- Specialised permits or certificates (e.g. phytosanitary) obtained if required.
- C/O Form D issued if the Cambodian buyer wants ATIGA preferential duty.
Stage 2 — Vietnamese side (Moc Bai)
- Customs checks documents; goods may be inspected depending on the channel.
- Border guard and quarantine checks where applicable.
- The export declaration is closed when the goods exit.
Stage 3 — Cambodian side (Bavet)
- Import declaration lodged with Cambodian customs (GDCE) through its electronic system.
- Payment of import duty, VAT and any other taxes.
- Possible inspection by customs or other agencies for regulated goods.
Stage 4 — Delivery
From Bavet, Phnom Penh is about 160 km. Total door-to-door time from Ho Chi Minh City is typically 1–3 days, depending on documents and inspection.
Tips for a smooth crossing
- Make sure quantities and descriptions match across all documents.
- Plan arrival within border working hours to avoid overnight waiting.
- Use a forwarder with teams on both sides of the border.
Related: document checklist · Vietnam–Cambodia shipping guide.
Border procedures, working hours and document requirements can change. Use this article as a guide and confirm requirements for your specific goods before shipping.