Cambodia is stepping up efforts to tackle worsening air pollution by targeting one of its biggest environmental challenges, the country’s growing number of second hand and aging vehicles. As of June 2026, the government is preparing to legally enforce Euro V vehicle emission standards by 2027, with a long term goal of cutting transport related black carbon and PM2.5 emissions by as much as 75 percent over the next decade. The move comes as the Kingdom faces rising traffic congestion, increasing vehicle ownership, and growing concerns about public health and climate change.
While stricter rules on used vehicle imports are part of the solution, environmental experts believe the issue goes much deeper. Cambodia’s dependence on older fossil fuel powered vehicles, combined with limited public transportation options and rapid urbanization, means that reducing pollution will require a broader and more sustainable transport strategy.
Cambodia’s Used Vehicle Market Faces Growing Scrutiny
New findings from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition reveal that Cambodia is currently the only ASEAN country where average carbon emissions from imported light duty vehicles continue to rise. If no action is taken, emissions could reach 325 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer by 2030.
The challenge is closely linked to the country’s vehicle market. More than 60 percent of imported vehicles are over 10 years old, while second hand vehicles account for 96 percent of newly registered cars. According to the CCAC, inconsistent regional regulations have made countries like Cambodia a destination for high emitting used vehicles.
“This is particularly important given the popularity of imported used vehicles in places like Cambodia, where 96 percent of newly registered vehicles are purchased second-hand. Even older cars can produce far fewer harmful emissions when cleaner fuels are used, but these fuels must be widely available to realise their benefits,” CCAC said.
Experts Say the Solution Goes Beyond Old Cars
Environmental advocates argue that simply removing old vehicles from the roads will not fully solve Cambodia’s air quality problems. Soeung Saroeun, Executive Director of NGO Forum on Cambodia, believes the country needs a more comprehensive approach.
“While improving vehicle standards and gradually phasing out the most polluting vehicles is important, the solution goes beyond addressing old vehicles alone,” he noted, adding that any sustainable transport transition should prioritise the development of convenient, affordable, accessible and low-emission public transportation systems, such as EV and public buses and trains.
Saroeun explained that stronger public transport networks would improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and help Cambodia meet its climate commitments. He also pointed to countries such as Singapore, China, Norway, Japan, and Vietnam as successful examples of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability through investments in cleaner mobility.
“I think Cambodia can learn from countries such as Singapore, China, Norway, Japan and Vietnam, which have combined cleaner vehicle policies with investments in public transport and electric mobility.”
Government Pushes for Cleaner Transport
The Cambodian government has already introduced several policies aimed at reducing pollution from the transport sector. According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, more than 8.3 million vehicles were registered nationwide as of March 2026, including 16,210 electric vehicles.
Authorities have developed the National Road Safety 2021 to 2030 strategy to limit the age of imported used vehicles, improve vehicle inspections, strengthen driving license procedures, and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
The Ministry of Environment has also implemented the Clean Air Plan and upgraded vehicle emission standards for imports. Officials say roadside inspections, stricter fuel quality requirements, and tighter import controls are all part of the government’s strategy to modernize transportation and reduce pollution.
Euro V Standards Could Cut Pollution by 75 Percent
Cambodia’s latest climate commitments include some of the country’s most ambitious environmental targets to date. Through its updated Nationally Determined Contribution and the national Clean Air Plan, the government aims to legally require Euro V emission standards for all imported and locally assembled vehicles by 2027, followed by Euro VI standards by 2030.
“It solidifies the legal and operational framework to mandate Euro V standards for all imported and local vehicles by 2027 and Euro VI by 2030. This integration is projected to slash transport-related black carbon and PM2.5 emissions by up to 75 percent,” Atitya stated.
Research under the Clean Air Plan identifies transportation as one of the three largest contributors to PM2.5 and black carbon pollution in Cambodia. Experts estimate that effective vehicle emission standards and improved fuel quality could reduce black carbon, PM2.5, and PM10 emissions from the transport sector by around 75 percent by 2030.
Air Pollution Remains a Public Health Concern
Air pollution is not only an environmental issue but also a growing health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide contribute to serious respiratory and other chronic illnesses.
Health Ministry spokesperson Ly Sovann warned that changing weather patterns and rising temperatures linked to climate change are affecting air quality across Cambodia.
“It can cause long-term health issues for people.”
He also encouraged people who regularly spend time outdoors to protect themselves by wearing masks and maintaining good personal hygiene to reduce exposure to polluted air.
Readers can learn more through the original report published by Kiripost.
Conclusion
Second hand and aging vehicles are playing a significant role in Cambodia’s growing air pollution problem, but experts agree they are only part of a much larger challenge. Cleaner vehicle standards, better fuel quality, expanded public transportation, and greater investment in electric mobility will all be essential to creating a healthier and more sustainable future. As Cambodia moves toward Euro V and Euro VI standards, the country has an opportunity to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility while improving the quality of life for millions of people.