🇨🇲Updated 2024

Cameroon Import Requirements Guide

Complete guide to importing goods into Cameroon. Navigate MINCOMMERCE regulations, customs procedures, and documentation requirements for successful trade operations.

Import Requirements by Product Category

Specific requirements, duty rates, and processing times for different product categories in Cameroon.

General Merchandise
Duty: 5-30%3-5 days

Required Documents:

  • Import License from MINCOMMERCE
  • Commercial Invoice in XAF
  • BESC Certificate mandatory
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Packing List with detailed descriptions

Inspection: Standard customs inspection

Food & Agricultural Products
Duty: 10-40%5-10 days

Required Documents:

  • Phytosanitary Certificate
  • Health Certificate from origin country
  • MINADER import permit
  • Halal Certificate (for meat products)
  • Laboratory analysis reports

Inspection: Mandatory inspection at port

Pharmaceuticals & Medical
Duty: 0-15%10-21 days

Required Documents:

  • Ministry of Health import authorization
  • GMP Certificate
  • Product registration with DPML
  • Laboratory analysis certificate
  • Wholesale dealer license

Inspection: Strict quality control inspection

Vehicles & Machinery
Duty: 20-60%5-15 days

Required Documents:

  • Certificate of Conformity
  • Age restriction compliance (<10 years)
  • Environmental standards certificate
  • Insurance documentation
  • Technical specifications sheet

Inspection: Physical inspection mandatory

Textiles & Clothing
Duty: 15-35%3-7 days

Required Documents:

  • Fiber content declaration
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Quality standards compliance
  • Brand authorization (if applicable)
  • Size and labeling compliance

Inspection: Random quality inspection

Electronics & Technology
Duty: 10-25%5-12 days

Required Documents:

  • Type approval certificate
  • Electromagnetic compatibility certificate
  • Safety standards compliance
  • ECOWAS standardization mark
  • Technical documentation

Inspection: Technical inspection required

Key Government Agencies

Essential contact information for Cameroon government agencies involved in import processes.

MINCOMMERCE
Ministry of Commerce
Processing: 5-15 days

Primary Role:

Import licensing and trade regulation

Key Services:

  • • Import License Issuance
  • • BESC Certificate Validation
  • • Trade Policy Implementation

Contact Information

Yaoundé, Cameroon
+237 222 23 40 00
[email protected]
www.mincommerce.gov.cm
Customs (DGD)
Direction Générale des Douanes
Processing: 1-3 days

Primary Role:

Customs clearance and duty collection

Key Services:

  • • Customs Declaration Processing
  • • Duty Assessment
  • • Cargo Inspection

Contact Information

Douala & Kribi Ports
+237 233 42 27 27
[email protected]
www.douanes.cm
MINADER
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Processing: 7-21 days

Primary Role:

Agricultural imports regulation

Key Services:

  • • Phytosanitary Permits
  • • Agricultural Import Licenses
  • • Plant Health Certificates

Contact Information

Yaoundé, Cameroon
+237 222 22 54 94
[email protected]
www.minader.cm
MINSANTE
Ministry of Public Health
Processing: 10-30 days

Primary Role:

Health-related imports oversight

Key Services:

  • • Medical Import Permits
  • • Pharmaceutical Approvals
  • • Health Certificates

Contact Information

Yaoundé, Cameroon
+237 222 23 30 36
[email protected]
www.minsante.cm

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Complete list of items prohibited or restricted for import into Cameroon with penalty information.

Completely Prohibited
  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
  • Counterfeit currency and securities
  • Pornographic materials
  • Weapons and ammunition (without permit)
  • Used clothing and shoes (with exceptions)

Penalty for Violation:

Criminal prosecution and heavy fines

Restricted Items
  • Pharmaceuticals (require special permits)
  • Chemicals and pesticides
  • Radioactive materials
  • Precious metals and stones
  • Wildlife and endangered species products

Penalty for Violation:

Confiscation and administrative fines

Age-Restricted Vehicles
  • Passenger cars over 10 years old
  • Commercial vehicles over 15 years old
  • Motorcycles over 10 years old
  • Heavy machinery over 20 years old

Penalty for Violation:

Rejection at port and return to origin

Import Process Timeline

Step-by-step timeline for importing goods into Cameroon from documentation to delivery.

1

Pre-Shipment

10-30 days
Obtain import license from MINCOMMERCE
Secure product-specific permits (if required)
Arrange cargo insurance and financing
Coordinate with freight forwarder
2

Shipment Preparation

3-7 days
Apply for BESC certificate
Prepare all shipping documentation
Submit advance cargo information
Coordinate with destination port
3

Transit & Arrival

Variable
Cargo in transit with BESC tracking
Pre-arrival customs notification
Port arrival and berth allocation
Cargo discharge and inspection
4

Customs Clearance

3-10 days
Customs declaration filing
Document verification and assessment
Duty payment and inspection
Release order and cargo collection

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