One incomplete file, and the whole container waits at the port, with charges mounting every day. Here are the documents to gather for a smooth customs clearance in Douala, and what each one is for.
The basic documents
| Document | Issued by | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of lading (B/L) | The shipping line | Document of title to the goods: it lets you collect them on arrival. |
| Commercial invoice | The supplier | Basis for calculating duties and taxes: value, quantities, terms of sale. |
| Packing list | The supplier | Details of each package (number, weight, dimensions): it makes inspection easier. |
| Certificate of origin | The supplier or the chamber of commerce of the country of origin | Proves where the goods come from, useful for some customs regimes. |
| BESC | To be issued before loading | Electronic cargo tracking note (Bordereau électronique de suivi des cargaisons), required for goods imported into Cameroon. |
Depending on your goods
Some products require additional documents, in particular:
- food products and drinks: health or phytosanitary certificate, depending on the products;
- products subject to standards: certificate of conformity;
- regulated goods: import authorization or license.
Check consistency. Quantities, weights and descriptions must be identical on the invoice, the packing list and the bill of lading. Even a minor difference is enough to block a file.
Your checklist before the vessel arrives
- I have received the bill of lading, original or electronic.
- The invoice and the packing list match.
- The BESC has been issued.
- The certificates specific to my goods are ready.
- I have sent the complete file to my freight forwarder.
A complete file before the vessel arrives means a container that leaves the port faster.
Indicative list: the documents required depend on the goods, their origin and the customs regime chosen. We check your file before arrival.
Need help with your file?
Send us your documents: we check them before the vessel arrives.