Cameroon CNSC: Airport Cargo Investigation Targets Delays

• Cameroon's National Shippers' Council (CNSC) launched an investigation into air cargo bottlenecks at Douala and Yaounde-Nsimalen airports, running from October 6 to 31, 2026.
• The inquiry, led by CNSC General Manager Auguste Mbappe Penda, revisits issues first raised by freight operators in 2025.
• Key problems identified include delays in import valuation reports, slow processing of incomplete applications, and valuation disputes between Customs and SGS.
• Earlier recommendations from a March 2025 meeting included a fast-track clearance channel and encouraging advance import declarations.
• The investigation highlights persistent administrative challenges and potential compliance risks for businesses involved in Cameroonian trade.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients on trade and logistics in Cameroon should closely monitor the findings and outcomes of this CNSC investigation.

Cameroon's National Shippers' Council (CNSC) has initiated a formal investigation into administrative inefficiencies and irregular practices impacting air cargo operations at the nation's primary international airports, Douala and Yaounde-Nsimalen. This inquiry, which commenced on October 6, 2026, and is slated to conclude on October 31, was announced via a statement signed by CNSC General Manager Auguste Mbappe Penda on the launch date. It is being conducted by the Council’s dedicated Transport Observatory.

The scope of the investigation is broad, inviting all stakeholders involved in the import and export supply chain to report any difficulties they have encountered. This includes importers, exporters, freight forwarders, licensed customs brokers, airlines, and various public administrations. The CNSC's move signals a renewed focus on long-standing issues that have plagued air cargo clearance, echoing concerns initially raised by freight operators as early as 2025.

The current inquiry by the CNSC follows a significant meeting held in Douala in March 2025, which brought together key players such as the Directorate General of Customs, the inspection company SGS, DHL, and various shippers. During this earlier gathering, several critical obstacles to efficient air cargo clearance were identified, highlighting the systemic nature of the problems now under investigation.

Among the principal issues pinpointed were protracted delays in the issuance of essential import valuation and tariff classification reports. Furthermore, the processing of applications submitted without these crucial documents was noted to be exceptionally slow. A recurring point of contention involved persistent disagreements between the Directorate General of Customs and SGS concerning the valuation of imported goods, creating significant bottlenecks and unpredictability for businesses.

The March 2025 discussions not only identified problems but also put forward potential solutions aimed at streamlining the air cargo process. Key recommendations included the implementation of a fast-track clearance channel to expedite the movement of goods and a strong encouragement for advance import declarations, which could pre-empt many of the delays currently experienced.

The CNSC's renewed investigation underscores the continued relevance and unresolved nature of these issues. The outcome of this current probe, conducted by the Transport Observatory, is expected to provide further insights and potentially lead to more decisive actions to address the administrative and operational hurdles that have long affected air cargo efficiency in Cameroon.

The ongoing investigation by Cameroon’s National Shippers' Council into air cargo bottlenecks at Douala and Yaounde-Nsimalen airports carries significant implications for businesses engaged in international trade with the country. The persistent issues, including delays in valuation reports and disputes between Customs and SGS over goods valuation, highlight a challenging operational environment for importers and exporters.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients on trade and logistics in Cameroon should closely monitor the findings and outcomes of this CNSC investigation. It serves as a critical indicator of the enduring administrative bottlenecks and the potential for disputes with key inspection and customs agencies. Proactive advice on managing clearance delays and mitigating compliance risks is essential for clients navigating Cameroon's import and export regulations.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients on trade and logistics in Cameroon should monitor the outcome of this CNSC investigation. It highlights persistent administrative bottlenecks and potential disputes with customs and inspection agencies (like SGS) at major airports, necessitating proactive advice on managing clearance delays and compliance risks for importers and exporters.

Source: Original reporting via industry news sources