Country profile
Cameroon
CM · CMRAs of: 6/24/2026Central African sea and transit hub (Chad, Central African Republic)
With the port of Douala and the new Kribi deep-sea port, Cameroon is Central Africa's main maritime and transit hub, also serving the landlocked states of Chad and the Central African Republic. It belongs to the CEMAC customs union with a common external tariff (5, 10, 20 and 30 percent), as well as to ECCAS and AfCFTA, and applies an interim EPA with the EU and the United Kingdom. Import VAT is 19.25 percent on the CIF value plus duty. Customs clearance is electronic via CAMCIS of the Directorate General of Customs through the GUCE single window, complemented by the BESC/ECTN, SGS pre-shipment inspection and ANOR conformity certificates. Security risks in the Anglophone regions, the Far North and the Gulf of Guinea, as well as corruption, require heightened diligence.
Overview
Cameroon (ISO-Code: CM) is located in Central Africa and borders Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, with a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. Politically, the country is a presidential republic with centralized institutions and stable administration. The climate varies from equatorial in the south through tropical in the center to semi-arid in the north, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. Economically, Cameroon is diversified, with focuses on agriculture, oil and gas production, mining, industry, and services. Foreign trade is significant, with exports mainly consisting of crude oil, timber, cocoa, coffee, and cotton, while the country is dependent on imports for machinery, energy, and consumer goods. Strategically important ports like Douala, as well as an extensive road and railway network, secure the transit and logistics function for regional and international supply chains. The national currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which enables stable economic transactions within the CEMAC region. Cameroon benefits from its geographical location as a link between West and Central Africa. Infrastructure, natural resources, and economic diversification enhance the logistical and economic significance of the country.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD), Ministry of FinanceImport system
CAMCIS of the DGD (since 2020, replacing SYDONIA++), processed via the GUCE Single Window. Mandatory: BESC/ECTN at the CNSC, SGS pre-shipment inspection with AVI, ANOR conformity certificate for many goods.
Export system
Electronic export declaration via CAMCIS of the DGD through the GUCE Single Window; a BESC/ECTN is required for sea freight.
Import VAT
- Standard rate 19,25 percent (17,5 percent plus 10 percent municipal surcharge CAC) on the CIF value plus customs duty. In addition, an acompte (income tax advance payment) and various fees apply.
Import documents
- BESC/ECTN (CNSC)
- SGS AVI
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Insurance certificate
- ANOR conformity certificate
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- EUR.1 (EU/UK EPA)
- Phytosanitary certificate
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1 or origin declaration for the EU and UK EPA; in regional trade, CEMAC and AfCFTA origin proofs. CEMAC forms a customs union with a common external tariff (TEC).
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibited: counterfeits, drugs, toxic waste, vehicles older than 15 years. Requires authorization: weapons, medicines, alcohol, tobacco, chemicals. Second-hand clothing and certain second-hand electronics restricted.
Export controls & sanctions
Cameroon is subject to no international sanctions and implements UN sanctions. Security-relevant: Anglophone crisis in the Northwest/Southwest and Boko Haram in the Far North; piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- DLA - Douala International
- NSI - Yaoundé-Nsimalen International
- GOU - Garoua International
Seaports / access ports
- Douala - Port autonome de Douala (DLA)
- Kribi - Port autonome de Kribi (deep-sea port)
- Limbe (deep water, petroleum)
Inland ports & terminals
- Garoua - river port on the Bénoué (seasonal)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Douala - Yaoundé - Ngaoundéré
- Douala - N'Djamena (Chad corridor)
- Douala - Bangui (Central African Republic corridor)
Rail corridors
- Camrail: Douala - Yaoundé - Ngaoundéré
Top trade lanes
- Cameroon - China
- Cameroon - EU (Netherlands/Spain/Italy/France)
- Cameroon - India
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Increased security risks in the Anglophone regions of the Northwest and Southwest as well as in the Far North (Boko Haram). Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, corruption and customs delays burden supply chains.
Seasonal & weather risks
Pronounced rainy season (in the south roughly March to November) with road damage and delays in the hinterland; dry Harmattan in the north. Gulf of Guinea navigable all year round.
Current logistics notes
Deep-sea port Kribi is growing strongly (around 555'000 TEU in 2025); Douala remains the main transshipment hub with about 76 percent. EU/UK EPA tariff reduction in phase 10 since August 2025 (60 percent reduction). As of 2026-06-24.
As of: 2026-06-24
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT in Cameroon?
The standard VAT rate (TVA) is 19,25 percent: 17,5 percent basic rate plus 10 percent municipal surcharge (CAC). It is levied on the CIF value plus customs duty. In addition, there are an acompte (income tax advance payment) and fees such as the customs IT fee and the FEICOM levy.
Which customs system does Cameroon use?
The Direction Générale des Douanes processes imports and exports electronically via CAMCIS, which replaced the former SYDONIA++ in 2020. All transactions run through the Single Window for foreign trade (GUCE), which bundles CAMCIS, payments and authorizations.
What are the customs tariff rates in Cameroon?
As a CEMAC member, Cameroon applies the Common External Tariff (TEC) with four tiers: 5 percent for basic goods, 10 percent for raw materials and industrial machinery, 20 percent for semi-finished products and 30 percent for consumer goods. Duty is calculated on the CIF value.
Which documents are required for an import?
Required are, among others, an electronic BESC/ECTN freight declaration at the National Shippers' Council (CNSC), an Attestation de Vérification (AVI) from SGS, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and an insurance certificate. For many goods, an ANOR conformity certificate is required.
Which ports and airports are important for freight handling?
The main port is Douala with about 76 percent of throughput; the deep-sea port of Kribi is growing strongly and reached around 555'000 TEU in 2025. For air cargo, Douala (DLA), Yaoundé-Nsimalen (NSI) and Garoua (GOU) serve. Douala is also a transit gateway for Chad and the Central African Republic.
Which trade agreements apply to Cameroon?
Cameroon belongs to the CEMAC customs union as well as ECCAS and the African free trade area AfCFTA. With the EU and the United Kingdom there is an interim EPA: tariff reduction proceeds in stages and reached phase 10 in August 2025 with a 60 percent reduction, with full exemption by 2030. Preference with EUR.1.
Which goods are prohibited or restricted?
Prohibited items include counterfeits, drugs, toxic waste and vehicles older than 15 years. Weapons, medicines, alcohol, tobacco and chemicals require a permit. Second-hand clothing and certain second-hand electronics are subject to restrictions to protect local industry and the environment.
What risks exist in the Cameroonian supply chain?
Increased security risks exist in the English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest, as well as in the far north (Boko Haram). There is a risk of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. In addition, there are corruption, customs delays and, during the rainy season, impaired roads in the hinterland.
Which trade partners are important for Cameroon?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Cameroon?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners