Cameroon’s customs system will adopt a new digital procedure for clearing electronic devices primarily mobile phones and tablets beginning on April 1, 2026. Announced by Minister of Finance Louis Paul Motaze, the reform is presented as part of a broader push to simplify, secure, and modernize customs operations.
The change signals a move away from paper-based workflows toward an automated, IT-driven clearance process designed to make cross-border movement of consumer electronics faster and more transparent.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the main objectives behind the reform are to make payment of duties and taxes easier for importers and travelers, strengthen the fight against tax fraud and cybercrime, and increase transparency in customs procedures. By digitizing the clearance process, authorities expect to reduce processing times, limit human error and discretion, and create an auditable electronic trail for all transactions.The Ministry emphasized that this measure does not introduce a new tax. Rather, it automates payment through the Customs’ IT platform.
Import duties and taxes that were already due remain the same in principle; the innovation lies in how payments are made and recorded. The digital system is meant to improve convenience and traceability for users while ensuring accurate collection and reporting by customs.To ease the transition, the authorities announced an amnesty for devices that are already active on local mobile networks. Owners of those devices will not be retroactively penalized under the new system.
In addition, temporary travelers will be eligible for specific exemptions intended to avoid burdening visitors who bring personal devices for short stays.To increase consumer confidence and prevent the importation of illicit or non-compliant devices, the Ministry of Finance highlighted that anyone can now verify a device’s customs status before purchase. Verification will be possible through online tools or by SMS, enabling buyers to check whether a device is cleared, flagged, or subject to duties. This functionality is expected to reduce fraud in the second-hand market and help legitimate sellers demonstrate transparency.
Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze publicly announced the new digital clearance procedure as part of the government’s efforts to modernize customs operations. The announcement underscores the political will behind the reform and signals coordination between the Ministry of Finance and Cameroon’s customs administration in rolling out the platform and related procedures.
