Exporting to Cameroon COC Certification Methods, Fees, Prices, and Timelines

Exporting to Cameroon COC Certification Methods, Fees, Prices, and Timelines

Purpose of PECAE COC Certification in Cameroon

The government of Cameroon, through the implementation of the "Regulations on the Implementation of Compliance Inspection of Imported Goods Before Shipment" (Government Order No. 1875 of 2015, July 1, 2015), requires all importers and exporters engaged in trade with Cameroon to comply with the requirements of the Pre-shipment Compliance Assessment Program (PECAE) set by the Cameroon Standards and Quality Bureau (ANOR). Failure to comply may result in customs clearance delays, fines, or even deportation.

The compliance assessment program verifies whether products, including health and beauty products, all processed and unprocessed foods, building materials, finished oils, gas cylinders, paper products, etc., fall within the controlled product list, requiring a compliance assessment.

Template of PECAE COC Clearance Compliance Certificate in Cameroon

Cameroon COC Certificate Template

Cameroon's  COC Requirements:

Exporters must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (AoC) for each batch of controlled goods. For products on the controlled list, exporters need an AoC for each batch.

Only qualified certificates (AoC) obtained from recognized inspection bodies are accepted.

The exporter submits the AoC to the contractor, who issues the Certificate of Conformity (CoC). The CoC is then submitted to the Cameroon Standards and Quality Bureau (ANOR).

Customs clearance requires the CoC for each batch of products. Failure to provide the CoC may result in penalties.

For goods arriving after August 31, 2016, with bills of lading or airway bills dated after this date, controlled goods without a CoC will not be cleared and may incur fines.

The certificate confirms the compliance of the product with relevant Cameroon technical regulations, national standards, regional standards, or international standards.

According to the regulations of the Pre-shipment Compliance Assessment Program (PECAE) implemented by the National Standards and Quality Bureau of Cameroon (ANOR), exporters must apply in advance for a Certificate of Conformity (Attestation de Conformité, AC certificate) for goods in the controlled catalog. ANOR will issue a Product Conformity Certificate (CoC) based on the AC certificate and deliver it to the importer as a required document for customs clearance.

List of Products Regulated by PECAE COC in Cameroon

Products regulated by the Cameroon CoC program include:

Toys and sports equipment

Electronic and electrical products

Automobiles

Chemicals

Mechanical materials and gas products

Paper and stationery

Furniture (wood and metal products)

Textiles, leather, plastic, and rubber products

Safety (personal protective) equipment

Food

Second-hand products

Fuel products

Exempted Goods from PECAE COC in Cameroon

Goods exempted from the PECAE CoC program include:

Personal items, private items

Gemstones and precious metals

Works of art

Explosives and fireworks

Weapons, ammunition, and war equipment

Animal life supplies

Contemporary newspapers

Non-commercial parcels and commercial samples

Donations from foreign governments, international organizations, foundations, welfare organizations, and charities

Gifts and supplies for consulates and diplomatic missions or organizations sponsored by the United Nations for their own use.

Documents Required for PECAE COC Certification in Cameroon:

Product testing reports

Packing list

Invoice (in the form of an invoice)

Business license

Other documents deemed necessary by the institution

Fee Structure for PECAE COC Certification in Cameroon:

As of January 4, 2021, the PECAE program in Cameroon has three schemes and corresponding fee structures, including certificate fees, inspection fees, third-party testing costs, service fees, etc. For the final fees, please contact the authorized institution. The fees do not include product testing costs and service fees.

Application Process for PECAE COC Certification in Cameroon:

Exporters submit an application form, invoice, packing list, product quality documents such as test reports, technical specifications, and factory ISO certificates (if any) to the institution.

The certification body determines a feasible implementation plan and applicable standards.

If testing is required, the exporter can contact the institution's laboratory, coordinate sampling, and implement laboratory testing.

On-site inspection will be carried out by the nearest office of the institution after completing the above steps. All costs are borne by the applicant.

After inspection, the exporter submits the final documents (commercial invoice and packing list) to the institution's office.

The institution issues an electronic certificate and emails it to the client.

 Cameroon Import Tariffs

The average import duty in Cameroon is 19.1 percent. There are additional fees assessed on imports that vary according to the nature of the item, the quantity of the particular item in the shipment, and even the mode of transport.

Contact Information

Rich Chou

Phone: 0755-23763629 Whatsapp:13530227809

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