The common external tariff (CET) adopted by the 11 member states of the Economic Community of Central African States has been in force in Cameroon since January 1, 2026, according to the country’s Customs Directorate. Approved on October 18, 2024, the tariff marks a new step in regional integration, with the stated goal of harmonizing customs regimes between CEEAC and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.
Under the new schedule, customs duties range from 0% to 40%, applied per unit or by volume depending on the product. Cereal seeds, aircraft used for air transport, and aviation-related machinery are subject to a zero-duty rate. By contrast, live animals, ranging from poultry to horses, passenger road vehicles, and tractors are taxed at rates between 5% and 20%.
The same 5% to 20% range applies to dairy products, construction materials such as cement, and maritime transport vessels. Railway rolling stock is taxed at rates of 5% to 10% upon entry through Central African ports. Meat products, from pork to beef, reptile catches, as well as fish and crustaceans imported from outside the subregion, are subject to a 20% duty per kilogram.
The tariff index sets duties of 10% to 20% per unit on pumps and industrial and non-industrial machinery, while medical equipment parts are taxed at 5% per unit. Toys, musical instruments, weapons, ammunition, and furniture are subject to a 20% duty.
The highest rate of 40% applies in particular to cocoa powder and tobacco-based products, pharmaceutical waste, mineral water and tonic drinks. Cotton and polyester fabrics, ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, and hair extensions are also included in this top tariff bracket.
Negotiations to establish a common external tariff between CEEAC and CEMAC countries began in 2019, with technical support from the World Customs Organization and the European Union. In 2025, meetings led to the development of national road maps for implementation of the mechanism, which forms part of the ongoing process to merge the two economic communities, initiated in 2009.
Some distinctions remain. Value-added tax and excise duties are not included in the common external tariff and continue to be applied separately by member states. In addition, low trade volumes and persistent tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to constrain intraregional trade, which is estimated at only about 3% a year.
By applying uniform customs duties on goods imported from outside the bloc, CEEAC aims to align trade policies and improve regional competitiveness. The measure is also intended to boost trade within Central Africa by expanding the effective market base from the 50 million consumers of the CEMAC zone to nearly 200 million people. Trade experts see the move as part of a broader integration trajectory, consistent with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Frédéric Nonos
