Documentation Requirements for Cameroon Customs
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Air WayBill
Importing to Cameroon
IOR Africa: Your Importer of Record Experts in Cameroon
Taxes: 19.25%
Duties: 23.60%
Lead times: 1 Week
Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder
Restricted items: Weapons and ammunition, Knives and dangerous weapons, Alcohol, Drugs, Big monkeys and lemurs, Pandas and South American monkeys, Big cheetah, leopards, tigers, Elephants, rhinoceros, cranes, snakes, parrots, marine turtles, Counterfeit money and goods, Pornographic content or materials, TV, Laptops, DVD players and other electrical goods less than six months old, Cats and dogs will require a veterinarian health certificate before entering the country.
Common Challenges When Importing to Cameroon
Cameroon is a key entry point for Central Africa, but businesses importing IT and telecom equipment face multiple compliance and logistical hurdles. High tariffs, inspection requirements, and complex customs procedures make local expertise essential for smooth operations.
1. High Tariffs on Tech Hardware
Cameroon imposes elevated import duties on IT and telecom products, significantly increasing total landed costs for businesses and consumers.
2. Mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI)
All imports must undergo Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) at the exporting country’s port before clearance in Cameroon. Missing or incomplete PSI documentation can lead to major delays.
3. Customs Complexity and Local Entity Requirement
Despite favorable EU trade agreements, businesses still need a locally registered entity to act as the Importer of Record. Without this, shipments cannot legally clear customs.
4. Documentation Accuracy
Invoices, HS codes, and certificates of conformity must be precise. Errors or misclassifications often result in fines, shipment holds, or revaluation by customs.
How to Overcome These Challenges
By working with IOR Africa, businesses can:
- Secure permits, approvals, and compliance for IT and telecom imports
- Provide accurate HS code classification and documentation management
- Oversee all pre-shipment inspections at the exporting port to prevent delays
- Deliver end-to-end logistics solutions across Cameroon and the wider CEMAC region