A preferential regime is a system which provides for the application of reduced or zero rates of customs duty on certain goods when traded between partner countries.

Since 1998, this rate has been 0% for intra-Community trade within the CEMAC zone.

Regulation No. 19/08-UEAC-010 H-CM-18 lays down the approval procedure for products originating in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.

Intended to encourage the use of local raw materials and the creation of added value within the region, the CEMAC Community texts set out three criteria.

1 - The wholly obtained criterion

This criterion applies to raw animal, vegetable or mineral products and articles of traditional craftsmanship.

2 - The incorporation criterion

This concerns manufactured products with an incorporation percentage of 40% of raw materials originating from CEMAC Member States.

3 - The added value criterion

This concerns products manufactured using raw materials and consumables of wholly or partly foreign origin, and generating a minimum Community added value of 30% of the ex-factory cost price excluding taxes.

At least one of these three criteria must be met by the company at the time of production.

It is important to note that only manufactured products are subject to the approval procedure. To obtain approval, you must:

1. compile a standard file containing information on the company, the characteristics of the products for which approval is sought, information on the product's production and marketing.
2. The standard application form can be obtained from the Ministry of Trade or from the CEMAC website (https://cemac.int).
3. Submitting the application.

Applications for approval are duly completed and submitted to the CEMAC Member States' Ministries for industry or trade.

They are then examined at the national level by a National Approval Committee, which verifies that the products submitted originate from the Community.

A - Satisfy one of the 03 origin criteria:

• Products made entirely from materials originating from the CEMAC region;
• Products with a local added value of at least 40%;
• Added value of about 30%, if the previous 2 criteria are not met.

B - Obtain approval for the CEMAC preferential tariff.

C - Obtain a certificate of origin:

When exporting an approved product, obtain a certificate of origin from the authorised national body. The certificate is issued to traders in Cameroon by the consular offices. It must be endorsed by the country's administrative authorities.