Cameroon CoC Certificate
What is Certificate of The Cameroon CoC Certificate?
The Cameroon Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a mandatory document required for the import of regulated goods into Cameroon. It is part of the Pre-Shipment Conformity Assessment Program (PECAE) implemented by the Agence des Normes et de la Qualité (ANOR), the national standards body of Cameroon. The purpose of the CoC is to ensure that products imported into the country meet the required quality, safety, and technical standards set by Cameroon. Before shipping goods, exporters must obtain an Attestation of Conformity (AoC) from an approved inspection agency, such as SGS, TÜV Rheinland, or Intertek, based in the country of export. This involves product testing, documentation checks, and possible physical inspections. Once the AoC is approved, it is submitted to ANOR, which then issues the CoC to the importer in Cameroon. The CoC must accompany the shipment to allow smooth customs clearance. Shipments arriving without this certificate may face delays, fines, or re-export. The CoC is valid for a single consignment and must be obtained for each shipment of regulated products. Certain goods, such as donated items, personal effects, or low-value consignments, may be exempt from this requirement.
Benefits of a Certificate of The Cameroon CoC Certificate
Ensures Product Quality and Safety
The CoC verifies that products comply with Cameroon’s national standards, ensuring only safe and quality goods enter the market.
Facilitates Smooth Customs Clearance
With a valid CoC, shipments are cleared faster by customs authorities, reducing delays and storage costs.
Reduces Risk of Penalties and Rejection
Importing without a CoC may result in fines,confiscation, or rejection of goods. The certificate protects exporters and importers from such risks.
Enhances Market Credibility
Certified products gain trust from Cameroonian consumers and regulators, strengthening the reputation of exporters.
Prevents Entry of Counterfeit or Substandard Goods
The inspection process helps block the import of fake or low-quality products, supporting fair trade and consumer protection.
Compliance with Legal Requirements
The CoC ensures full compliance with Cameroon’s legal import regulations, avoiding legal complications for businesses.
Supports National Development Goals
By enforcing quality standards, the CoC program helps improve the overall quality of goods available in the country, benefiting public health and safety.
Simplified Procedures
Less paperwork and easier compliance compared to conventional certification systems.
Community Participation
Farmers form groups and support each other, leading to knowledge-sharing and stronger community bonds.
Who can apply for The Cameroon CoC Certificate?
Exporters
Manufacturers
Importers in Cameroon
Authorized agents or distributors
Freight forwarders (on behalf of exporters)
Customs agents (on behalf of exporters)
Importers in Algeria (in special cases)
CSR Initiatives
Documents Required for The Cameroon CoC Certificate
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of The Cameroon CoC Certificate
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Certification Body
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to Cameroon CoC Certificate requirements
- Selecting the appropriate certification Body
- Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- Cameroon CoC Certificate Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to Cameroon CoC Certificate requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification Body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
- Certificates issued under have a validity period as
- Initial Certification: Valid for single shipment only.
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
Who can issue the Certificate of The Cameroon CoC Certificate
FAQ
Yes, the CoC is mandatory for all regulated products imported into Cameroon under the PECAE program.
The CoC is issued by ANOR (Cameroon’s standards authority) based on an Attestation of Conformity (AoC) provided by an approved inspection agency (e.g., SGS, TÜV Rheinland, Intertek).
Shipments without a valid CoC may face delays, fines, confiscation, or even be returned to the country of origin.
The CoC is valid only for the specific shipment for which it is issued (single consignment use).
The exporter or manufacturer must apply to an approved inspection agency for an AoC. Once granted, it is submitted to ANOR to issue the CoC.
Yes, exemptions include donated goods, personal effects, printed materials, artworks, and low-value consignments (typically under USD 3,250).
The cost varies depending on the product type, inspection requirements, and the inspection agency used.
It typically takes 5 to 15 working days, depending on documentation, testing, and inspection timelines.
All countries exporting regulated goods to Cameroon must comply with the CoC requirement.
Typical documents include:
Invoice & packing list
Test reports or certificates
Product technical specifications
Application form from the inspection body