Importing a car to Cameroon

Importing a car yourself can save a lot — provided you know the 5-year rule, how customs duty is calculated and the shipping pitfalls. This guide covers everything, step by step, with a calculator to estimate your clearance before you even buy.

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.
• Prefer left-hand-drive: Cameroon drives on the right, so an RHD car (e.g. Japanese domestic market) is a problem.
• Beware of 'salvage' titles (accident-damaged vehicles), common on US auctions.
• Always compare with local stock: sometimes a car already cleared in Cameroon costs less, without the risk.

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

What is the maximum age to import a car to Cameroon?

For passenger cars, SUVs and minibuses the limit is 5 years: beyond that, import is heavily restricted and taxation rises significantly.

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 long does importing take?

Typically 4 to 8 weeks from purchase to collection at the port, depending on origin, shipping line and how fast clearance goes.

Is it better to import or buy in Cameroon?

Importing can be cheaper for rare or recent models, but adds time, freight and risk. For many common models, a car already cleared locally is simpler and sometimes cheaper.

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