How does importing into Cameroon work: DI, RVC and PECAE?
Before the detailed customs declaration, most imports into Cameroon go through checks that SGS runs for the state. This guide summarises SGS's importer guide (Trade Facilitation Services, November 2021): the Import Verification Programme (PVI), which produces the Import Declaration (DI) and the Report on Value and Tariff Classification (RVC), and the pre-shipment conformity programme PECAE. It summarises SGS's own extract, not the customs code, and procedures may have changed since 2021.
What the PVI covers
SGS says the Programme de Vérification des Importations (PVI) applies to every import with an FOB value of 2,000,000 FCFA or more. Its aims are to check compliance with the rules in force and to determine the customs value and the tariff classification of the goods.
The guide lists many exemptions. Among them: imports below 2,000,000 FCFA, shipments between states, gifts to the state, diplomatic and consular imports, removal and inheritance effects, live animals, works of art, books and newspapers, used furniture, precious stones, scrap metal, commercial samples, postal parcels, medicines, and crude oil and refined white products.
From request to RVC
- Gather the documents for the DI. SGS lists a coded proforma invoice, a copy of the importer's taxpayer card (for the first DI), the yearly importers' file registration issued by the Ministry of Trade (MINCOMMERCE), and any document required for regulated goods. Check first whether the goods fall under a mandatory standard; if so, a certificate of conformity is needed (see PECAE below).
- Open the DI request on e-GUCE. Operators with an access code enter the proforma data on the single-window platform: names and full addresses of importer and seller, sale terms, full description of the goods, quantity, unit price and total price. The platform generates a PR file reference.
- Pay the verification fee. For a DI subject to the PVI (FOB of 2,000,000 FCFA or more), SGS says to make a bank transfer to the Ministry of Finance account for 0.95% of the FOB value, the import verification fee. Goods on the list in circular No. 006024/MINFI/CAB of 30 November 2016 are not subject to the PVI and need no transfer.
- SGS issues the DI or asks for more. SGS checks each request. A complete file gets a DI; anything wrong is returned as a request for further information, answered on the e-Force platform.
- The seller sends the final documents. Once the goods ship, only the seller may upload the final invoice, packing list, freight invoice and the transport document (depending on sale terms) through the SGS exporters' portal. The final invoice, transport document and packing list are mandatory for the report to be made available. If the seller holds no transport document under the sale terms, the importer provides the transport document, packing list and harmonised insurance certificate (CAH) on e-GUCE.
- SGS issues the RVC. SGS must issue the RVC without being asked, 3 days after receiving conforming final documents from the seller. If the transport document is missing, SGS notifies the importer; after 15 days without a reaction it issues an anomaly report, which becomes an RVC once the document arrives. The DI and RVC carry a QR security code and need no extra visa.
PECAE: conformity checked before shipment
PECAE (Programme d'Évaluation de la Conformité Avant Embarquement) was set up by decree No. 2015/1875/PM of 1 July 2015. SGS says decree No. 2021/3306/PM of 31 May 2021 extended it to all goods imported into Cameroon except those on its exemption list. It is run by SGS under the supervision of the Standards and Quality Agency (ANOR).
Once the DI is issued, the exporter or its logistics agent starts the procedure through the ANOR website, which redirects to the SGS exporters' portal. Documents SGS lists: the completed certification request, proforma invoice, ISO 9001 quality system certificate if available, conformity documents (test reports, quality certificates, analysis reports) and the final invoice. Verification combines physical inspection, laboratory analysis, factory audit and document checks.
If results are satisfactory, SGS issues an Attestation of Conformity (AC), which ANOR converts into a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) handed to the importer for customs clearance. If not, the exporter has 60 days to correct the non-conformities; after that a non-conformity report is issued and the goods may not ship. SGS adds that goods arriving without an AC or CoC cannot be inspected at destination under the regulation.
- Route A: physical inspection and laboratory tests on every shipment and product category. Fee 0.45% of FOB.
- Route B: frequent shipments of uniform products, after at least three conforming Route A shipments; document check with at least one physical inspection every four months. Fee 0.40% of FOB.
- Route C: licensed products with proven conformity, after a factory audit; document check with at least one physical inspection every six months. Fee 0.27% of FOB.
- Fees have a minimum of EUR 300 and a maximum of EUR 7,000 per shipment, are payable in advance and are due even if the goods are never shipped. Tests, extra sampling, container seals, product registration and manufacturer licences cost extra.
- Exempt: shipments with an FOB value below 2,000,000 FCFA (partial deliveries count together if their cumulative value reaches that amount), arms and ammunition, goods returning to the customs territory, state-to-state shipments, diplomatic effects, removal and inheritance effects, art and precious stones, scrap metal and current newspapers, among others on SGS's list.
Vehicles: CIVIC
For imported vehicles SGS describes the CIVIC identification check. For used vehicles the request is opened on e-Force with the original bill of lading or waybill, the importer's taxpayer card, an expert report if the vehicle is damaged, and the original registration card or a conformity certificate from a vehicle expert. The CIVIC fee is 25,000 FCFA per vehicle, and a complete request gets an identification sheet within 24 hours. For new vehicles and machinery, CIVIC only covers the identification at arrival and the PVI procedure above applies.
What this means for your declaration
The RVC and the PECAE conformity certificate are the documents behind the "import verification report PVI RVC" and "product conformity certificate PECAE" items on our Cameroon requirements page. The SGS guide does not cover the ECTN/BESC cargo tracking note listed there; confirm that one with your carrier or freight forwarder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PVI in Cameroon?
The Programme de Vérification des Importations. SGS says it applies to imports with an FOB value of 2,000,000 FCFA or more and determines the customs value and tariff classification, producing the DI and the RVC.
What is an RVC?
The Rapport sur la Valeur et le Classement tarifaire, the report SGS issues on an import's value and tariff classification. SGS says it issues it 3 days after receiving conforming final documents from the seller.
How much is the PVI fee?
SGS gives 0.95% of the FOB value, paid by bank transfer to the Ministry of Finance for a DI subject to the PVI. Check the current rate with SGS Cameroun, since the guide dates from November 2021.
Does PECAE apply to small shipments?
SGS says shipments with an FOB value below 2,000,000 FCFA are exempt and need no certificate of conformity, but partial deliveries under that amount are covered when the cumulative value of the transaction reaches it.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-10-19
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