Customs in CAMEROON

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Are you importing a container? a groupage or even a vehicle? You will absolutely have to complete formalities with Cameroon customs.

You will need to know this:

1. Customs regulations in Cameroon

Cameroon is part of CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa). In addition to Cameroon, CEMAC brings together a group of countries, namely Gabon, Chad, Congo, the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. To import products from countries outside CEMAC, the legislation provides for paying customs duties and taxes. The customs tax rate depends directly on the category of the goods. Rates can vary from 0% to 30%.

2. How do you make a customs declaration?

The customs declaration is mandatory, you have the choice of doing it yourself or going through a freight forwarder in Douala. The freight forwarder is a specialist, who is able to advise you and support you during this process.

You want to make the customs declaration yourself. To do this, you can go to the Douala customs service and provide a set of documents. In addition, you must pay port handling fees.

If you choose to hire a freight forwarder, you will then have your representative with the customs authorities. He will make the necessary declarations for you. You can also commission him for all other transport services, such as managing the unloading of your load. It can also manage re-deliveries, within the country or elsewhere.

3. Personal effects: customs clearance is mandatory

From a customs point of view, personal effects are classified as goods. Therefore, a customs declaration is mandatory on arrival at the port of Douala.

Your personal effects are considered second-hand. You are asked to assess its value. Be careful not to undervalue your load.

For personal effects, the BESC is mandatory.

4. Import a vehicle to Cameroon

For vehicles, as for any other goods, customs declaration is mandatory. It can be carried out directly at the port of Douala. The tax rate depends in particular on the category of the imported vehicle. If the vehicle is loaded, it is also obligatory to declare the loading of the vehicle to customs.

5. The BESC: electronic cargo tracking slip

All goods destined for Cameroon must be registered via an electronic cargo tracking slip. If a load is not registered, there is an infringement. Penalties are then systematically applied by the customs service. Any BESC must be validated by the National Council of Shippers of Cameroon (CNCC), and must be issued by the CNCC or its representative abroad. The BESC can be issued by a freight forwarder in Douala. In this case, the slip must be validated by the shipper in the country of departure.

Customs service contact

  • Website: www.douanes.cm
  • General Directorate of Customs
  • Yaoundé – Bastos district (Opposite the Chinese embassy)
  • infos@douanescustoms-cm.net / douanes-cam@minfi.gov.cm
  • +237 222 20 25 31  /  +237 222 20 25 32  /  +237 222 20 25 41
  • Douala: Bonanjo district
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