For the landlocked countries of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), mainly Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR), the ports of Douala (PAD) and Kribi (PAK) are the main maritime gateway for their supplies.
To preserve the competitiveness of these cross-border flows while protecting Cameroonian tax revenue, the CEMAC Customs Code provides for the International Transit regime (T1 regime). This mechanism grants a full suspension of customs duties and taxes while goods cross Cameroonian territory.
1. What is the T1 regime?
The T1 regime is a suspensive customs regime. It authorises imported goods to move from the port of discharge (Douala or Kribi) to the customs office of final destination (N'Djamena, Bangui, Moundou, etc.) without paying local customs duties.
In return for this temporary exemption, the importer and the carrier legally undertake to:
Not to sell any part of the cargo on the Cameroonian domestic market.
Follow a regulated itinerary (the Douala–N'Djamena or Douala–Bangui corridor).
Present the goods intact at the border exit customs office (Kousséri, Garoua-Boulaï, Touboro).
2. Digital processing of the T1 declaration in CAMCIS
The transit file must be opened through the CAMCIS customs information system (Cameroon Customs Information System):
Entry of the Single Transit Title (TTU): The licensed customs broker registers the detailed declaration under the T1 regime, attaching the documentary file (B/L, BESC, commercial invoice, packing list).
Attachment of the customs bond: CAMCIS automatically checks that the forwarder has a sufficient credit line or bond commitment with the customs administration to cover the theoretical value of the suspended duties.
Issue of the Release Order (BAE) under transit: Once documentary control and the bond are validated, the system issues the authorisation to leave the port terminal.
3. Traceability on the corridors: GPS beacons and electronic seals
To prevent diversion of freight in transit, Cameroon Customs and the inspection company impose a strict geolocation and physical-security scheme:
Fitting of smart GPS beacons: Before departure from the port, trucks or containers are fitted with communicating GPS beacons. These beacons transmit the vehicle's position in real time to the corridor monitoring centre.
Electronic seals/padlocks: Container doors or truck tarpaulins are secured with an electronic padlock. Any unauthorised opening attempt outside customs-controlled zones triggers an immediate alert.
Compliance with transit times: Customs sets a maximum journey time to reach the border (generally 7 to 10 days). Any unjustified stop or route deviation is subject to an emergency check.
4. Preventing illegal diversion and sanctions
The main risk identified by the administration is fraudulent diversion, that is the illicit resale of the goods in Cameroon while simulating transit abroad.
In the event of a breach, a leak or a break of the electronic seal without justification of a major accident:
Immediate call on the bond: The customs administration seizes the licensed broker's financial guarantee to recover 100% of the duties and taxes due.
Penalties and fines: The importer and the carrier face customs penalties that can reach 100% to 200% of the CIF value of the goods.
Suspension of the licence: The forwarder and the carrier risk withdrawal of their operating licence on the CEMAC corridors.
5. The 3 levers for smooth, unblocked T1 transit
Rely on a forwarder with a solid bond: The licensed broker puts its own financial guarantee with Customs on the line. Choosing a financially solid provider ensures immediate validation of your T1 declarations without a ceiling blockage.
Coordinate logistics with the BGFT: Work in synergy with the Land Freight Management Office (BGFT) to secure the booking of licensed trucks that meet sub-regional transport requirements.
Ensure regular acquittance of the TTU: At the border, customs officers scan the TTU and remove the GPS beacons. Computerised recording of acquittance in CAMCIS is the legal act that closes the file and releases the customs bond.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between the T1 regime and the home-use regime (C100)?
The C100 regime covers definitive import of goods destined for the Cameroonian market (with immediate payment of customs duties), whereas T1 is a suspensive regime for goods that only cross Cameroon towards a third country.
Do goods in T1 transit pay port charges in Cameroon?
Yes. Customs suspension covers only State duties and taxes. Stevedoring, port handling (RTC/KCT) and infrastructure passage charges remain payable by the importer.
Mastering cross-border flows in the CEMAC zone requires absolute rigour, from CAMCIS entry through to final acquittance at the border.
To master the full process, see our complete guide to clearance at the Port of Douala.