Cameroon is a member of CEMAC, which applies a Common External Tariff (CET) across its six member states. The Customs Directorate under the Ministry of Finance administers customs regulations nationally, with most duties assessed on an ad valorem (proportional to the estimated cost) basis.

Imports valued above XAF 2 million (approximately $3,300) fall under the Program for Securing Customs Revenue (PSRD) and must be cleared through Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) at origin before shipment.  U.S. exports to Cameroon must submit invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading to SGS, which conducts a documentary review—and, in some cases, a physical inspection—before issuing a Clean Report of Findings (CRF). The CRF is mandatory for customs clearance in Cameroon, and shipments without one are blocked at entry. While certain categories—such as petroleum products, live animals, perishables, aid, and personal effects—are exempt, the rule applies broadly. Importers report that even with a CRF, goods may be reinspected at the Ports of Douala or Kribi, making the system both a valuation control mechanism and a potential source of delays.

Since 2024, Cameroon has updated its customs, regulatory, and standards framework to facilitate trade and attract investment. The launch of the Customs Office’s “Douane CMR” mobile app on January 1, 2024, requires air travelers importing products to Cameroon to submit customs declarations electronically, replacing paper forms and streamlining the process through QR code scanning on arrival. This digital transformation helped raise Cameroon’s customs revenue to approximately $1.74 billion in 2025, up from $1.66 billion in 2024, with authorities projecting collections of around $1.9 billion in 2026 by current exchange rate.

The 2024 Finance Act introduced 24-month customs and tax exemptions on imports in priority sectors such as drinking water, renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass), healthcare, livestock, and fisheries, provided that benefits are passed on to consumers. For re-exporting exempted goods, duties must be repaid.  Additionally, the Pre-Shipment Evaluation of Conformity (PECAE), managed by SGS and overseen by the National Agency for Standards and Norms (ANOR), ensures products meet Cameroonian standards, labeling, and technical regulations.  U.S. exporters must have shipments inspected at origin and accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity before customs clearance; failure to do so can result in blocked entry. The process integrates with the Douane CMR digital declaration system, streamlining clearance once compliance is verified. PECAE ensures that U.S. machinery, seeds, or equipment can enter Cameroon legally, while also providing predictable timelines and a clear compliance roadmap for procurement contracts.

The Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNCC) developed the Trade Hub website and complementary digital tools to address shippers’ lack of awareness about customs and foreign trade procedures, a major cause of congestion at the Port of Douala. Launched in 2017, the Trade Hub provides a centralized source of information on documentation, regulatory requirements, and procedural steps. CNCC’s training programs and workshops help stakeholders—especially SMEs—adopt digital processes. These initiatives have produced measurable results, including more predictable clearance times, higher adoption of digital filing among SMEs, and improved transparency in port procedures, even as broader logistical challenges at the port persist.

Trade Barriers 

Cameroon imposes no formal restrictions on U.S. goods, but foreign exporters to Cameroon face procedural and regulatory barriers that can slow market entry. Imports valued above approximately $3,300 (XAF 2 million) require pre-shipment inspection and an Attestation of Verification (AVI) from SGS, and products must comply with ANOR standards. Goods are subject to a 17.5 percent VAT and CEMAC tariffs ranging from 0 to 30 percent, with additional rules for pharmaceuticals, alcohol, and weapons. Additionally, Cameroon imposes a 3percent luxury goods tax on certain high-end consumer products, including premium vehicles, jewelry, high-end electronics, and luxury fashion items, in addition to standard customs duties and VAT. The definition of “luxury goods” subject to this tax can be subject to interpretation by customs officials, creating potential uncertainty for importers of premium U.S. brands. Exporters often encounter bureaucratic delays, inconsistent enforcement, and occasional corruption, which can increase costs and clearance times. U.S. firms can mitigate these risks by partnering with local distributors, engaging SGS early, leveraging digital customs tools, and conducting thorough due diligence. For luxury goods specifically, U.S. exporters should confirm product classification with Cameroonian customs authorities prior to shipment to avoid unexpected tax assessments at the port of entry.