IMPORT AND EXPORT IN CAMEROON

OPERATIONS (THE SINGLE WINDOW FOR FOREIGN TRADE IN THE DOUALA PORT)

The procedures for import and export in Cameroon which facilitate international trade has been made pretty easier and efficient through the setting up of the Single Window for Foreign Trade Operations (Guichet Unique des Opérations du Commerce Extérieur) at the main port of Cameroon which is the Douala Sea Port. This single window aims to significantly reduce the cost and time involved in completing administrative formalities for both public and private persons as the efficient flow of documents and information required in guaranteed.

However, not all import and export procedures in Cameroon are handled by the Single Window for Foreign Trade Organisations (Guichet Unique des Opérations du Commerce Extérieur). The customs clearance of ships, goods under the category of “prise en charge” and and those relating to the entry and validation of shipping manifests, as well as their clearance (tallying of each manifest line against the number of Vouchers to Remove issued) are not taken into consideration by the Single Window for Foreign Trade at the Douala Sea Port.

Also, the formalities for controlling foreign trade (application for and issuance of or application for marketing authorization), the technical ministries, responsible for resources or market management, are not processed by the Single Window for Foreign Trade at the Douala Port.