Port Code: CMDLA

Douala Port Clearance Guide

Complete guide to cargo clearance at Cameroon's largest port. Navigate BESC requirements, customs procedures, terminal operations, and clearance timelines with expert guidance.

Cameroon's Primary Commercial Port • 95% of National Trade • 24/7 Operations

Port of Douala Overview

The Port of Douala (CMDLA) is Cameroon's largest and busiest commercial port, handling over 95% of the country's international trade. Located on the Wouri River, it serves as the primary gateway for Central Africa's landlocked countries.

Strategic Location

Gateway to Central African Economic and Monetary Union (CEMAC) countries

Modern Infrastructure

State-of-the-art container terminal and specialized cargo handling facilities

24/7 Operations

Round-the-clock operations for maximum efficiency and reduced wait times

Port Statistics 2024

Annual Capacity:12M tons
Container Traffic:350K TEU
Average Clearance:5-8 days
Operating Terminals:3 major
Water Depth:8-11.5m

Douala Port Terminals

Specialized terminals with dedicated facilities for different cargo types and handling requirements.

Container Terminal
Operated by Douala International Terminal (DIT) • Capacity: 350,000 TEU/year
DCT

Modern container handling facility with automated systems

Available Services:

20ft and 40ft container handling
Refrigerated container storage
Empty container depot
Container maintenance and repair
Customs examination area

Terminal Specifications

Quay Length
350 meters
Water Depth
11.5 meters
Crane Capacity
45 tons SWL
Storage Area
25 hectares
Rail Connection
Available
Contact & Hours
24/7
+237 233 42 65 55
General Cargo Terminal
Operated by Port Authority of Douala (PAD) • Capacity: 2.5 million tons/year
GCT

Multipurpose terminal for break-bulk and general cargo

Available Services:

Break-bulk cargo handling
Heavy lift operations (up to 150 tons)
Warehousing and storage
Cargo consolidation services
Project cargo handling

Terminal Specifications

Quay Length
1,200 meters
Water Depth
8-10 meters
Warehouse Space
50,000 sqm
Open Storage
100,000 sqm
Mobile Cranes
Multiple units available
Contact & Hours
Monday-Saturday: 07:00-19:00
+237 233 42 65 00
Oil Terminal
Operated by SONARA (National Oil Refinery) • Capacity: 8 million tons/year
OIL

Specialized terminal for petroleum products and chemicals

Available Services:

Crude oil discharge
Refined products loading/discharge
Chemical products handling
Pipeline connections
Storage tank farm access

Terminal Specifications

Berths
4 specialized berths
Pipeline
Direct refinery connection
Storage
Multiple tank farms
Max Vessel
80,000 DWT
Draught
12 meters
Contact & Hours
24/7
+237 233 52 23 00

Cargo Clearance Procedure

Step-by-step clearance process from BESC submission to final cargo release at Douala Port.

1
Pre-Arrival Preparation
48-72 hours before arrival
Essential documentation and BESC submission before vessel arrives at Douala

Key Requirements:

  • • BESC certificate submission through Cameroon Single Window
  • • Advance cargo information to Douala Port Authority
  • • Import license verification with MINCOMMERCE
  • • Consignee notification and documentation preparation
  • • Customs agent appointment and briefing

Required Documents:

  • • Original Bill of Lading
  • • Commercial Invoice in XAF
  • • Packing List
  • • BESC Certificate
  • • Import License

Responsible Party:

Shipping Agent / Freight Forwarder

2
Vessel Arrival & Berthing
6-12 hours
Vessel arrival procedures and berth allocation at appropriate Douala terminal

Key Requirements:

  • • Pilot boarding at anchorage area (mandatory for vessels >150m)
  • • Port health clearance and immigration formalities
  • • Berth allocation based on cargo type and terminal availability
  • • Vessel documentation check by port authorities
  • • Cargo manifest verification with pre-submitted information

Required Documents:

  • • Vessel certificates
  • • Cargo manifest
  • • Port clearance certificates
  • • Crew and passenger lists
  • • Dangerous goods declarations

Responsible Party:

Port Authority of Douala (PAD)

3
Cargo Discharge & Inspection
1-5 days
Physical cargo discharge and preliminary inspection procedures

Key Requirements:

  • • Terminal allocation and cargo discharge planning
  • • Physical cargo inspection by customs authorities
  • • Cargo sorting and temporary storage arrangement
  • • Damage assessment and tally sheet preparation
  • • Security and safety compliance verification

Required Documents:

  • • Discharge report
  • • Tally sheets
  • • Damage reports
  • • Inspection certificates
  • • Storage receipts

Responsible Party:

Terminal Operator / Stevedoring Company

4
Customs Declaration & Assessment
2-5 days
Formal customs declaration filing and duty assessment process

Key Requirements:

  • • Electronic customs declaration through SYDONIA system
  • • Supporting documents submission and verification
  • • Customs duty and tax calculation based on valuation
  • • Risk assessment and inspection channel determination
  • • Payment guarantee or cash deposit arrangement

Required Documents:

  • • Customs declaration form
  • • Valuation documents
  • • Classification certificates
  • • Payment receipts
  • • Bank guarantees

Responsible Party:

Customs Broker / Licensed Agent

5
Physical Examination (If Required)
1-3 days
Detailed physical examination for selected cargo shipments

Key Requirements:

  • • Customs examination scheduling and preparation
  • • Cargo unpacking and detailed inspection
  • • Quality control and standards verification
  • • Documentation reconciliation with physical goods
  • • Re-packing and security seal application

Required Documents:

  • • Examination report
  • • Quality certificates
  • • Test results
  • • Compliance certificates
  • • Customs seal records

Responsible Party:

Customs Officers / Inspection Agencies

6
Duty Payment & Release
1-2 days
Final duty payment and cargo release authorization

Key Requirements:

  • • Final duty calculation and payment processing
  • • Release order issuance by customs authorities
  • • Terminal storage charges settlement
  • • Cargo delivery order preparation
  • • Final documentation handover to consignee

Required Documents:

  • • Duty payment receipts
  • • Customs release order
  • • Delivery order
  • • Terminal clearance certificate
  • • Final cargo receipt

Responsible Party:

Customs Authorities / Consignee

Douala Port Cost Structure

Comprehensive breakdown of all costs involved in cargo clearance at Douala Port in Central African Franc (XAF).

Port Authority Charges (PAD)
Port Entry Fee
per shipment
50,000 XAF
Cargo Handling
per ton
15,000 XAF
Storage (first 7 days)
per ton/day
500 XAF
Storage (after 7 days)
per ton/day
1,000 XAF
Container Handling
per TEU
75,000 XAF
Customs & Government Fees
Customs Processing
per declaration
25,000 XAF
BESC Certificate
per shipment
75,000 XAF
Inspection Fee
minimum 50,000 XAF
1% of CIF value
Statistical Fee
capped at 500,000 XAF
1% of CIF value
Customs Duty
5-60% of CIF value
Variable
Service Provider Fees
Customs Broker
per shipment
150,000-300,000 XAF
Freight Forwarder
per shipment
100,000-200,000 XAF
Shipping Agent
per vessel call
75,000-150,000 XAF
Terminal Handling
per ton
25,000 XAF
Transport to Warehouse
per km/ton
500-1,000 XAF

* All costs are approximate and subject to change. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 600 XAF (as of 2024)

Expert Tips & Best Practices

Professional recommendations to optimize your Douala Port clearance experience.

Expedite Your Clearance
  • Submit BESC certificate 72 hours before vessel arrival
  • Use experienced local customs agents familiar with Douala procedures
  • Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate before submission
  • Consider express processing options for urgent shipments
  • Maintain good relationships with terminal operators and officials
Avoid Common Delays
  • Verify import license validity before shipment departure
  • Ensure cargo description matches Bill of Lading exactly
  • Prepare for potential physical inspection requirements
  • Account for weekend and holiday delays in processing
  • Have contingency plans for documentation discrepancies
Cost Optimization
  • Calculate total landed costs including all fees and duties
  • Negotiate competitive rates with service providers
  • Consider consolidation services for smaller shipments
  • Plan storage time to minimize demurrage charges
  • Explore duty exemption opportunities for eligible goods

Need Expert Assistance with Douala Port Clearance?

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