President Biya Directs Cameroon Raw Log Export Ban Expansion

• Cameroon plans to expand its ban on raw log exports beyond the 91 species already restricted.
• President Paul Biya issued a directive on October 12, 2026, instructing the government to extend the list of prohibited timber species.
• The directive aims to encourage domestic wood processing but does not specify new species, quantities, or effective dates.
• Similar instructions were included in presidential circulars for the 2025 and 2026 budgets.
• Earlier this year, on April 28, 2026, Minister Jules Doret Ndongo added 15 timber species to the ban.

Lawyers advising clients in the timber industry or involved in trade with Cameroon should closely monitor upcoming legislative instruments detailing the expanded list of prohibited timber species, as these changes will directly impact export compliance and supply chain operations.

Cameroon is preparing to broaden its existing prohibition on raw log exports, moving beyond the 91 timber species currently subject to restrictions. This initiative forms part of the government's ongoing strategy to foster greater domestic processing of wood resources within the country.

President Paul Biya issued a directive on October 12, 2026, as part of the circular outlining preparations for the 2027 state budget. This instruction mandates the government to sustain limitations on unprocessed timber exports by "an extension of the list of species prohibited from export in log form." While the directive clearly signals a policy direction, it does not specify which additional timber species will be affected, the total number of new species to be added, or the precise timeline for when these new restrictions will come into force.

This latest presidential instruction is consistent with previous policy signals. Similar provisions advocating for continued restrictions on unprocessed timber exports have been included in presidential circulars issued in anticipation of both the 2025 and 2026 budgets. Furthermore, this directive follows earlier tightening of forestry regulations this year, specifically an order signed on April 28, 2026, by Forestry and Wildlife Minister Jules Doret Ndongo, which incorporated an additional 15 timber species, raising the total number of prohibited species from 76 to 91.

The Cameroonian government's consistent focus on encouraging local wood transformation is a key driver behind these recurring directives. By limiting the export of raw logs, the aim is to incentivize investment in local processing facilities, thereby creating jobs and adding value to the country's natural resources before they are exported.

The current framework already includes a ban on 91 timber species, representing a significant portion of Cameroon's forestry output. The presidential circulars, while not immediate legislative instruments, serve as high-level policy guidance that informs the subsequent actions of relevant ministries and regulatory bodies. They underscore a sustained commitment from the highest levels of government to reshape the nation's timber industry towards greater domestic beneficiation.

The impending expansion of the Cameroon raw log export ban signals a critical shift for stakeholders in the global timber trade. Businesses involved in sourcing timber from Cameroon, or those engaged in its processing and distribution, will need to prepare for potential disruptions to their supply chains and adjust their operational strategies accordingly.

Lawyers advising clients in the timber industry or involved in trade with Cameroon should closely monitor upcoming legislative instruments detailing the expanded list of prohibited timber species, as these changes will directly impact export compliance and supply chain operations. The lack of specific details regarding the species, quantity, and effective date means that the industry must remain vigilant for subsequent regulatory announcements that will provide the necessary clarity for compliance and strategic planning.

Lawyers advising clients in the timber industry or involved in trade with Cameroon should closely monitor upcoming legislative instruments detailing the expanded list of prohibited timber species, as these changes will directly impact export compliance and supply chain operations.

Source: Original reporting via industry news source