INTRODUCTION TO IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADE IN CAMEROON (INTERNATIONAL TRADE)
One of the most profitable ventures is the import and export trade in Cameroon. This is because it brings in foreign profits with currency margins above the Cameroon currency. Nevertheless, understanding the right procedure to apply for the import and export license in Cameroon has been a challenge to many businessmen.
The application of law No. 2010/044 of 18th April 2016 governing international trade supported by decree No. 2017/6523/PM of 7th June 2017 has to be respected by importers and exporters in Cameroon.
Therefore, the only recognized method and document authorizing economic operators to bring goods into Cameroon and send goods out of Cameroon is by obtaining the import and export license.
CATEGORIZATION OF GOODS FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT IN CAMEROON
In this regard, there are four categories as follows:
– Goods with an FOB value of < 1 million CFA francs do not require an import declaration and are not subject to the inspection procedure;
– Goods with an FOB/DI value equal to or greater than 1 million CFA francs, but less than 2 million CFA francs require the lifting of a DI, but are not subject to an inspection procedure verification procedure;
– Goods with an FOB/DI value in excess of 2 million CFA francs; require the lifting of a DI and fall within the scope of the pre-shipment (or pre-shipment) inspection procedure,
– Goods exempt from the inspection procedure, whatever their FOB/DI value. The list of these goods is available from the Guichet Unique (One Stop Shop).
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSE IN CAMEROON
The legal procedure to apply for an import and export license in Cameroon must be adhered to by economic operators. It is advisable in applying for an import and export license in Cameroon for a commercial attorney to be hired by the economic operator. The mandatory documents required in applying for an import and export license in Cameroon are as follows;
- A duly stamped application on the company letterhead which illustrates the articles and goods to be imported.
- A certificate of incorporation of the company.
- A certified copy of the tax payer’s card of the company.
- A business license
- A copy of the company Articles of Association
- A clearance certificate of workers issued by the National Social Insurance
- An attestation of localization of the company
- A certified copy of Identity cards or Passport of the shareholders
- Proof of payment of the registration fee.
TECHNICAL VISA IMPORT LICENSE PROCUREMENT PROCESS IN CAMEROON
For reasons of health or security, imports of the following products are subject to authorization (or to a “technical visa” or “import permit”, depending on the administration involved) from the competent ministries: edible meat and offal, livestock and fishery products, food products for animals, pharmaceutical products, cooking salt, medical soaps, weapons and munitions, prepared explosives other than propellant powders, pyrotechnic products, minerals and precious stones, radioactive substances, kerosene, fuels (petrol and gas), gas cartridges, transceivers and other receivers, approved pesticides, and certain chemical compounds.
MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING EXPORT
A customs export declaration must be filled out for all goods. Until recently, certain goods (pineapples, bananas and rubber) could be exported by means of a provisional declaration. This was eliminated with the introduction of ASYCUDA in 2007. Exported goods can only be declared by an approved customs agent. However, oil companies are authorized to make their own customs declarations for crude oil.
The other documents required for exports are the order form, the final domiciled invoice, the EUR1 certificate for exports to the European Union or the movement certificate for exports to CEMAC member countries, the stuffing certificate (for exports in containers), the application or order for statutory overtime, and sanitary certificate and/or certificate of origin (if required by the importing country). For some products, additional documents must be presented, such as an authorization from the Ministry of Culture for exports of works of art or the CITES permit for protected species.
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