from the USA to Cameroon

The USA offers low purchase prices and huge auction choice, but freight is longer and the 'salvage' title trap (accident-damaged cars) is real. Left-hand drive: compatible with Cameroon.

Key points

• Golden rule in Cameroon: passenger cars, SUVs and minibuses older than 5 years are heavily restricted for import. Past that age limit, taxation rises sharply and the vehicle can be refused. Always check the year before buying.
• Insist on a 'clean' title and a history report (Carfax/AutoCheck): 'salvage' vehicles are common at US auctions.
• Freight from the USA (container) is pricier and slower than from Europe: include it in the calculation.

Step by step

1. Check the vehicle is eligible (under 5 years old for a passenger car) and its real condition.
2. Buy the vehicle and collect the original documents: invoice, title / registration card.
3. Arrange sea shipping to the port of Douala or Kribi (RoRo or container).
4. Take out transport insurance and complete the pre-shipment inspection required for imports.
5. On arrival, hand clearance to a licensed customs agent: customs declaration, payment of duties, VAT and excise.
6. Collect the vehicle at the port, then complete local registration (Cameroonian registration card).

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
• Pre-shipment inspection report (import verification programme)
• 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.

Can I import a salvage car from the USA?

It’s risky: costly repairs, uncertain safety and hard resale. Always check the title and history, and have the vehicle inspected before buying.

Estimate, then take action

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

Customs calculator · Cars to import · Cars available in Cameroon