Car customs clearance in Cameroon

Customs clearance is the scary step — because the bill often surprises. Here is how Cameroon customs calculates duty, VAT and excise on a car, and how to estimate the total in advance with the MotoNaMarket calculator.

Key points

• Golden rule in Cameroon: age does not get a vehicle refused, it makes it dearer. Since the 2026 finance law, a car ≤ 2500cc pays 0% excise up to 12 years, 12.5% up to 20 and 25% beyond. Always check the year before buying, and the rule in force with your customs broker.
• A new electric car gets a reduced taxable base — a real import advantage.
• Always use a licensed clearing agent: a botched declaration costs more than the agent’s fee.

Step by step

1. Customs start from the CIF value: vehicle price + sea freight + insurance.
2. It applies customs duty (30 % standard, 0 % possible under EU EPA / CEMAC origin).
3. It adds VAT of 19.25 % on the taxable value.
4. It calculates excise duty based on the vehicle’s age and engine size.
5. It adds fixed fees: port handling, IT fee, inspection, clearing agent.

Documents you need

• Purchase invoice (bill of sale) in the importer’s name
• Title / original registration document
• Bill of Lading (sea waybill)
• Transport insurance certificate
• Import declaration (DI), mandatory above 1,000,000 FCFA FOB
• Your ID and NIU (unique taxpayer number)

Costs, customs duty and taxes

• The CIF value (vehicle price + sea freight + insurance) is the base for all taxation.
• Customs duty: 30 % standard — but 0 % is possible under the EU Economic Partnership Agreement depending on origin and age, and 0 % for CEMAC origin.
• VAT of 19.25 % on the taxable value.
• Excise duty based on age and engine size (nil for recent small-engine cars, up to 25 % for older/large-engine vehicles).
• Fixed fees: port handling, customs IT fee, import inspection and clearing-agent fees.
• Local registration once the vehicle is cleared.

FAQ

How much does clearing a car in Cameroon cost?

It depends on the CIF value, age, engine size and origin of the vehicle. The scale combines 30 % customs duty (0 % possible under the EU EPA or CEMAC origin), 19.25 % VAT and an age-based excise duty. Use the MotoNaMarket customs calculator for a figure in seconds.

How is car customs duty calculated?

On the CIF value (price + freight + insurance). The standard rate is 30 %, reduced or nil under the EU Economic Partnership Agreement or for CEMAC origin, plus VAT (19.25 %) and age-based excise.

Which documents to clear my car?

Invoice, title, bill of lading, insurance, import declaration (DI), your ID and your NIU. A licensed clearing agent assembles the declaration file.

Estimate, then take action

Estimate your clearance in seconds, then browse verified cars to import or listings already cleared in Cameroon.

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