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Cambodia – Strengthening the enforcement of vehicle emissions regulations and Euro 6 implementation planning

by CCAC - 8 July, 2025

Overview

This project responds to a request made by the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia to address black carbon emissions in the transport sector by strengthening the enforcement of vehicle emissions regulations, with a focus on applying globally recognized methodologies for on-road and periodic vehicle emissions inspections while expanding capacity for Euro 6 implementation planning.

In 2022, with support from the CCAC, the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia developed its Clean Air Plan (CAPC), identifying transportation as one of the top three contributors to Cambodia’s PM2.5 and black carbon emissions. PM 2.5 emissions were divided across road freight (40%) passenger road transport (38%) and shipping (21%). These emissions are projected to increase alongside urbanization as vehicle use and ownership is on the rise in Cambodia with the number of registered vehicles in the country rising by around 65% between 2015 and 2019.

The CAPC additionally identifies pathways to reduce the main sources of air pollution by 60% for PM2.5 (including black carbon) and by 24% for methane by 2031 if fully implemented. According to the analysis, implementation of vehicle emissions standards and fuel quality could result in around a 75% reduction of black carbon, PM2.5, and PM10 by 2030 in the transport sector.

Additional technical support and guidance is needed for the implementation of recommended standards. This project will develop SLCP emissions scenarios for Euro 6 implementation, assessing long-term transport emissions impacts. These projections will be integrated into Cambodia’s Clean Air Plan, ensuring policymakers have data-driven insights to phase in stricter emissions controls and align with national air quality and SLCP mitigation targets. The project will focus on the training of vehicle inspectors, enforcement officers, and regulatory agencies on Euro 6-aligned emissions testing using global best practices. The training will cover on-road and periodic emissions inspections, MRV data collection, and compliance enforcement strategies. By equipping key stakeholders with technical skills and enforcement tools, the project will strengthen SLCP mitigation in Cambodia’s transport sector.

This project should align with and contribute to the implementation of the following policies:

 This project builds on the CCAC funded project “Implementing improved vehicle emissions standards.”  

Who to involve

Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Public Work and Transport
Ministry of Mine and Energy
Ministry of Commerce
Vehicle Inspectors/Regulators

Expected results

Outcome 1: A joint ministerial declaration on official guidelines for enforcing monitoring fuels and vehicle emissions is endorsed by relevant ministries of the Government of Cambodia by the end of the project.

Indicator: Number of laws, regulations, or other policy mechanisms with SLCP targets or mitigation measures formally adopted, endorsed, and/or implemented

Output 1.1: Development of a joint interministerial declaration or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining official guidelines for enforcing and monitoring vehicle fuels and emissions.

Outcome 2: An enforcement strategy adhering to emissions criteria for vehicle registrations (new and used) is endorsed by the end of the project.

Indicator: Number of action plans, roadmaps, strategies, or other future plans with SLCP targets or mitigation measures formally adopted, endorsed and/or implemented

Output 2.1: Vehicle inspection strategy that includes:
- Contextual analysis of the emission inventory from the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emission (HDVE) sector.
- Assessment of the current fuel quality and vehicle emissions standards to identify specific gaps and challenges in the existing framework.
- Specific recommendations for vehicle inspection improvements.
- A financial and investment plan to support the implementation of the strategy.

Outcome 3: The Government of Cambodia (enforcement officers, regulatory agencies) have increased capacity to enforce vehicle emissions standards in line with international best practices for Euro IV by the end of the project.

Indicator: Number of government entities with a demonstrated improved capacity for SLCP action

Output 3.1: Training of vehicle inspectors and enforcement personnel from relevant government agencies and ministries, focused on vehicle inspection procedures, standards, and enforcement mechanisms. The training should build on best international practices for emissions testing and compliance verification.
Output 3.2: Develop curricula that focuses on Euro-6 technologies and their applications in collaboration with technical schools and universities.
Output 3.3: Conduct capacity building for sub-national government officials in Cambodia regarding emission testing from vehicles, fuel quality testing, and air pollution control from mobile sources.

Outcome 4: The Government of Cambodia has a demonstrated increased capacity to incorporate SLCPs into national MRV system in place and sustained beyond the end the of project.

Indicator: Number of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems developed or updated that include SLCPs

Output 4.1: Report identifying data tools or technologies to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of vehicle inspections, contributing to improved real-time monitoring and enforcement of emission standards.
Output 4.2: Workshop with relevant governments stakeholders to build capacity on the enhancement of existing MRV systems for the transport sector.

Outcome 5: Citizens of Cambodia have increased awareness on the benefits of adopting Euro-6 standards and the health risks associated with high vehicle emissions by the end of the project.

Indicator: Number of partnerships, associations, or campaigns launched to drive SLCP action

Output 5.1: Public campaign assets and activation plan developed including public service announcements and social media campaigns

APPLICATION PROCESs

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for consideration, project proposals must meet the following requirements:

Complete and submitted before the deadline
Submitted by a non-governmental organization (NGO), intergovernmental organization (IGO), or other not-for-profit entity.
Requested funding is within the estimated budget amount, or includes a clear justification for additional expenses
Project duration is less than 24 months
Budget criteria are met and spending caps on expenses are respected.
Please note that entities will be required to provide the last three (3) audited financial statements to be eligible for CCAC funding. These statements may be provided along with the application for funding or at the request of the CCAC Secretariat during the evaluation process.

For-profit entities may only participate in the project as stakeholders, co-funders, or end users. Applicants are encouraged to include for-profit entities in the development of the project proposal and/or during project implementation if their ownership of the proposed solution is key to the project’s success.

How to apply

Eligible applicants are invited to apply using the Application Form and Excel Budget Form. Specific instructions on completing these forms are available in both documents.

Applicants may choose to follow the cost range proposed above OR propose a different budget supported by a clear justification. However, applicants should note that cost efficiency will play a significant role in the selection process.

The completed Application Form and Excel Budget Form should be submitted to secretariat [at] ccacoalition.org.

Evaluation criteria

Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Presents a clear plan to achieve the required outcomes during the lifetime of the project or soon after
Includes a plan or activities to enable the scaling up of, replication of, or sustained use of project results over time
Sets out a clear approach for enabling or contributing to SLCP emissions reductions and resulting co-benefits
Involves relevant stakeholders
Approach is grounded in a strong understanding of relevant risks
Complements other relevant initiatives, funding mechanisms, and existing policy processes
Applicant demonstrates necessary capacity and experience to perform the work
A realistic, cost-effective, and clearly justified budget and approach is proposed
Project meets the minimum requirements for the OECD DAC gender equality marker Score 1

Selection process
A preliminary review of proposals submitted by the deadline will be conducted by members of the CCAC Secretariat, Funding Task Team, and Board, in consultation with relevant CCAC Partners.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their proposals in further detail and to respond to follow-up questions about their application.
Successful applicants will be invited to develop a Project Implementation Plan and Detailed Budget in consultation with the CCAC Secretariat and relevant CCAC Partners.
The selection process may take up to 6 months after the closing date of the call for proposals. Due to the high volume of requests, the CCAC will not respond to requests for updates or feedback during this time.

Due diligence and procurement

Due diligence

CCAC implementers with UNEP contractual agreements must meet with the following requirements:

Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract and meet all existing commitments (financial health)
Be able to provide proof of registration, proof of not-for-profit status and audited financial statements for the last three completed fiscal years
Have a record of satisfactory performance with UNEP/CCAC, when applicable; and - Not have been suspended or debarred by UNEP/CCAC or another UN agency. UNEP/CCAC also considers entities included in the Security Council Resolution Lists to be ineligible for UNEP/CCAC agreements.
* (inter)governmental entities/ United Nations are exempt from this requirement

Contract requirements

If selected for funding, your project will be contracted through the United Nations. Organisation(s) selected to implement the project must meet the following due diligence and procurement rules.

Procurement

As a general rule, Implementation Agreements allow for incidental procurement only.