from Japan to Cameroon

Japan is famous for low-mileage, well-kept cars sold at auction. BUT beware: the Japanese domestic market is right-hand drive (wheel on the right), incompatible with Cameroon driving on the right of the road.

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.
• CRITICAL point: Japanese-market cars are right-hand drive (RHD). Cameroon drives on the right and requires a left-hand-drive wheel — prefer LHD export versions or another origin.

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 drive a Japanese (right-hand-drive) car in Cameroon?

It’s strongly discouraged and problematic: Cameroon drives on the right and expects a left-hand-drive wheel. An RHD car is dangerous when overtaking and hard to register/resell. Look for an LHD export version.

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