In a strategic move to boost tax compliance and enhance national security, the Director General of Customs, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga, has officially launched a new digital mechanism for the collection of duties on mobile phones and tablets effective April 1, 2026.
The Director General of Customs, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga, announced the rollout during a press conference in Yaoundé, marking the full implementation of Article 6 of the 2023 Finance Law. This new system mandates a 33.3% customs duty on all imported mobile phones, tablets, and digital terminals.
To ensure a smooth transition, the government has decided to exonerate all devices currently in use before the deadline, focusing strictly on new imports and existing stocks that have not yet been regularized.
A primary driver behind this reform is the strengthening of digital security and the fight against phone-related crimes. By capturing the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity – IMEI numbers of all imported devices in the Cameroon Customs Information System – CAMCIS, authorities will be able to track stolen phones more effectively.
The Director General highlighted that the new database will specifically tackle the issue of IMEI cloning—where one number is shared across dozens of devices—making it easier to identify and locate criminals.
Under the new mechanism, only devices cleared through customs and recorded in the national database will be permitted to connect to local telecommunications networks. Importers and authorized brokers are required to perform declarations through CAMCIS, with payments accepted in local currency via electronic channels. Authorized distributors holding existing stocks have been granted a two-month grace period to contact customs sectors and provide clearance documentation to regularize their inventory.
The reform also includes specific provisions for international travelers entering Cameroon. Foreigners arriving at airports must declare their devices or set them to roaming mode; the system is designed to allow these phones to function for 30 days.
Should a visitor remain in the country beyond this period, they will be required to clear their devices through customs to maintain network access. This ensures that the tax base is broadened without unfairly penalizing short-term visitors.
Customs officials emphasized that the 33.3% rate actually represents a reduction in the tax burden, refuting claims that the move is intended to increase costs for citizens. Yves Patrick Tchami, Head of Legislation and Litigation, described the initiative as a “citizen’s reform” that leverages technological digitization to secure public revenue while safeguarding national security.
By integrating customs clearance directly with network accessibility, the government aims to create a transparent and regulated digital marketplace.
