How to obtain import and export license in Cameroon.
Most profitable business ventures usually explore the opportunities presented by the import and export business in Cameroon. Hence Import and Export trade in Cameroon is a very profitable business venture. However, Businessmen are usually faced with the challenge of understanding the right procedure on how to procure import and export license in Cameroon. In applying for an import and export license in Cameroon, businessmen and economic operators are bound to adhere strictly to Law No. 2010/044 of 18th April 2016 governing external trade in Cameroon as well as Decree No. 2017/6523/PM of 7th June 2017. Economic operators desirous to procure an import and export license in Cameroon usually ask the following questions;
- How to get an import license in Cameroon?
- What are the procedures for registration as an importer in Cameroon?
- How to start an import business in Cameroon?
- What are the certification formalities to import to Cameroon?
- How to get the status of an importer in Cameroon?
- How to start an export business in Cameroon?
- How to get the status of an exporter in Cameroon?
- How to get the status of an importer in Cameroon?
Any natural or legal person desirous to import into Cameroon can do so. However, the nature of the product may be subject to a specific authorization, license, rules of quality and packaging, standardization and other special formalities. Enlistment must be done in the importer register in order to get an importer card from the Directorate of Foreign trade.
- How to Start an Import and Export Business in Cameroon?
Any person desirous to engage in an import and export business in Cameroon must register either a business or a company in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (TPPRR) in strict compliance with the OHADA Law. After the registration of the business or company, the founder shall then apply for the grant of an import and export license in Cameroon.
- What are the certification formalities to import in Cameroon?
Exporters/Importers trading with Cameroon need to comply with the requirements of the Cameroon government’s office, the Agence des Normes et de la Qualite (ANOR), Conformity Assessment Programme called PECAE in order for their goods to clear customs. Failure to do so can result in severe delays in goods clearance, penalties, or even shipments being returned.
APPLYING FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSE IN CAMEROON
How to get an import license in Cameroon?
Economic operators are expected to follow the standard procedure in view to successfully procure an import and export license in Cameroon. The required documents to submit in view to procure an import and export license in Cameroon are as follows;
- Certificate of company registration/incorporation
- Tax payer’s card of the company
- Certificate of non-indebtedness of the company
- Duly stamped and legalized Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company
- An attestation of localization of the company
- Copy of identification cards and passports of the company shareholders
- Proof of payment of the registration fee etc.
IMPORT AND EXPORT AGENT IN CAMEROON
An Import and export agent can only be eligible to operate if he has completed the procedure to procure an import and export license in Cameroon. He acts as a middle man in the import and export transactions market in Cameroon. They intermeddle in the purchase and sale of products between both domestic and overseas companies in Cameroon. However the responsibilities of the import and export agent in Cameroon vary depending on the field and type of import and export company in Cameroon for which the agent works.
Article by Barr. Agbor Kima Divine Ngema
Kima & Partners Firm