Cameroon Ministry of Finance: EU Customs Duties Dismantled on Select Products

• The Cameroonian Ministry of Finance has announced the entry into the 11th phase of implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement between Cameroon and the EU.
• Certain European products have benefited from new preferential rates for dismantling customs duties upon importation, effective August 4, 2026.
• The agreement provides for a 100% dismantling of customs duties for products in groups 1 and 2, while those in group 3 benefit from a rate of 70%.
• Cameroonian exporters can access the European market without customs duties, subject to compliance with the conditions set out in the agreement.

The Ministry of Finance has invited the national logistics chain and the business community to take note of the eligible product lists, which are available at the Ministry of Finance and the General Directorate of Customs.

The Cameroonian Ministry of Finance has announced the entry into the 11th phase of implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (APE) between Cameroon and the European Union. As of August 4, 2026, certain European products have benefited from new preferential rates for dismantling customs duties upon importation. The scheme provides for a 100% dismantling of customs duties for products in groups 1 and 2, while those in group 3 benefit from a rate of 70%. The Ministry of Finance has invited the national logistics chain and the business community to take note of the eligible product lists, which are available at the Ministry of Finance and the General Directorate of Customs.

The APE is a comprehensive agreement that aims to promote economic integration between Cameroon and the EU. The agreement covers not only imports but also exports, providing Cameroonian exporters with access to the European market without customs duties, subject to compliance with the conditions set out in the agreement. To facilitate implementation, an 'APE Monitoring Unit' has been established within the General Directorate of Customs at Douala to provide the public with information related to the agreement.

The customs duty reduction on select European products is a significant development for Cameroonian businesses, particularly those involved in imports and exports. Lawyers advising clients on imports from the EU should monitor the updated lists of eligible products and ensure compliance with the new customs duties to avoid penalties or delays. The agreement also presents opportunities for Cameroonian exporters to access the European market without customs duties, subject to compliance with the conditions set out in the agreement.

Lawyers advising clients on imports from the EU should monitor the updated lists of eligible products and ensure compliance with the new customs duties, as failure to do so may result in penalties or delays.

Source: Original reporting via Commerce Cameroun-UE