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

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RATIONALE

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 will align with and contribute to the implementation of the following policies:  

 

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


 

Activities

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 


 


Reference number: [KH-25-008] Cambodia – Strengthening the enforcement of vehicle emissions regulations and Euro 6 implementation planning