Cameroon
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • BESC Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee 14-character alphanumeric NIU mandatory on Ocean B/L and manifest.
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
BESC number and consignee 14-character alphanumeric NIU must appear on the final B/L and manifest. 1 BESC per B/L applies uniformly across containers, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro cargo. Mandatory Vehicle Import B/L Requirements: For any vehicle imported into Cameroon, the following six items must be explicitly printed on the Bill of Lading: 1. Chassis Number (VIN); 2. Number of engine Cylinders (in digits); 3. Type of vehicle (must strictly follow this list: compact, convertible, Hatchback/Estate, Van, Roadster, Wagon, Coupe/sports car, Minivan, Sedan, Cabriolet, off-road/Pickup, Limousine, SUV, Saloon, transporter); 4. Year of manufacture; 5. Brand / Make; 6. Model. For transit cargo to Chad or Central African Republic: explicit notation "In transit to [Chad / CAR] via Port of [Douala / Kribi]" is mandatory.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • BESC must be validated via CNCC portal prior to vessel departure.
- • Mandatory PECAE Certificate of Conformity issued by ANOR-accredited inspection bodies prior to loading for regulated commodities.
- • Electronic import declaration processed via GUCE single window.
- • Marine cargo insurance must be underwritten locally with a Cameroonian licensed insurer.
- • Meat imports require MINEPIA authorization.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • Dual French/English product labeling mandatory on all consumer goods.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate mandatory for all imported meat products.
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles strictly prohibited.
- • No statutory age cap on vehicles (progressive environmental tax scale applies to vehicles over 10 years).
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at Douala and Kribi.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee for domestic imports must be a registered Cameroonian legal entity with an active 14-character alphanumeric NIU. For transit cargo, a foreign consignee is allowed provided an accredited local transit broker is named in Notify. "To Order" B/Ls require the local buyer's full physical address in Cameroon, active phone, and NIU in Notify. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Regulated cargo arriving at Port of Douala or Kribi without a valid pre-shipment PECAE CoC incurs a mandatory penalty of 10% to 50% of CIF value plus destructive destination sampling holds. Missing BESC halts container release.
Compliance Timeline for Cameroon
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via ANOR PECAE Accredited Bodies (SGS, Intertek, TÜV Rheinland) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Inscribe validated ECTN certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (CNCC (Conseil National des Chargeurs du Cameroun))
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Submit validated ECTN electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Cameroon (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.