Cameroon's South II Customs Sector Collects CFA162.9 Billion

Cameroon's South II customs sector, which encompasses the strategically vital deepwater Port of Kribi, collected CFA162.9 billion in customs revenue since the start of 2026, demonstrating its growing economic importance.

This substantial collection represents 48.6% of the total revenue generated by the sector during the entirety of 2025, indicating a strong performance trajectory. The excerpt highlights a remarkable increase in collections since the Port of Kribi commenced commercial operations in March 2018, with revenue soaring from CFA15.7 billion in 2018 to CFA335.4 billion in 2025, accumulating over CFA1.2 trillion in cumulative customs revenue between 2018 and 2025. The Directorate General of Customs has set ambitious monthly targets, such as CFA36.4 billion for March and CFA35.9 billion for April 2026, underscoring the government's reliance on customs duties as a significant revenue stream. The South II sector now ranks among Cameroon’s leading customs districts, second only to Littoral I, which covers the Douala port complex.

The legal significance of these figures for practitioners is profound, particularly for those advising businesses engaged in international trade, logistics, and port operations. The consistent and substantial growth in customs revenue from Kribi underscores the port's increasing role as a critical gateway for trade, necessitating a thorough understanding of the customs legal framework. It signals robust enforcement and collection mechanisms by the Directorate General of Customs, which implies a low tolerance for non-compliance. This trend also reflects the broader economic activity and trade volumes passing through Kribi, which can influence investment decisions and supply chain strategies for businesses operating in or through Cameroon.

Key parties involved in this revenue generation include the South II customs sector, the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK), and the Directorate General of Customs. The legal context is primarily governed by Cameroon's Customs Code, which outlines the procedures for import and export, tariff classifications, valuation methods, and the collection of duties and taxes. Additionally, regulations pertaining to port operations, international trade agreements, and national fiscal policies contribute to the legal environment. The high collection targets set by the Directorate General of Customs reflect its mandate to maximize state revenue while facilitating legitimate trade, operating within the legal parameters of customs administration.

Attorneys and legal professionals advising import/export businesses, shipping companies, and logistics providers should pay close attention to the evolving customs landscape at the Port of Kribi. It is crucial to ensure strict compliance with all customs regulations, including accurate declarations, proper valuation, and timely payment of duties, to avoid penalties and delays. Monitoring changes in tariff schedules, customs procedures, and enforcement priorities by the Directorate General of Customs is essential. Furthermore, businesses considering establishing or expanding operations in Cameroon should factor in the efficiency and stringency of customs operations at Kribi when assessing logistical costs and regulatory risks.