NEW MEASURES TO DEMATERIALISE CUSTOMS PROCEDURES IN THE CAMCIS SYSTEM AND THEIR IMPACT ON CARGO DWELL TIMES AND COSTS
The Directorate General of Customs (DGD) has initiated a series of major reforms aimed at accelerating the dematerialisation of procedures, with a view to reduce cargo dwell times at Cameroon's ports and secure customs revenues. These new measures include:
· The dematerialisation of the filing and payment of registration and stamp duties on the sale of used vehicles:
Pursuant to Ministerial Order No.0001/MINFI/DGI/DEPRF of 2 January 2024, the Minister of Finance informed taxpayers that registration and stamp duties on the transfer of used vehicles would henceforth be filed and paid at the same time as customs duties and taxes through the Customs Assessment Bulletin (BLD) in the Cameroon Custom Information System (CAMCIS). Henceforth, the Customs Department will automatically calculate customs duties and applicable taxes at a rate of 5% using the formula Taxable Value of the car + Taxable Customs Duties. This will significantly reduce the number of documents required and the time taken to process them.
· The filing and payment of VAT on Customs Brokers Fees in the CAMCIS system:
This reform stems from the desire to secure State revenue, given that VAT is deductible on any fee paid for services provided by Licensed Customs Brokers. It cannot therefore be construed as a tax increase for shippers.
· The Single Exit Document (DUS):
The Single Exit Document (DUS) serves both as the customs duty payment receipt and the Release Order as enshrined in paragraph 16 of Circular Letter No.00114/MINFI/DGD/DGFTCFM specifying modalities for electronic payments; the issuance of payment receipts; the calculation and payment of customs duties and taxes enforced since 2 October 2023 by Release N°0834/MINFI/DGD of 9 August 2023.
All these measures will help to facilitate trade by streamlining customs procedures in Cameroon.
(Source: Extract from the 2024 Finance Law)