Approval procedures for the CEMAC and ECCAS preferential tariffs have been harmonised. Accordingly, files sent to the CEMAC Commission by the Minister of Trade are also systematically sent to the ECCAS Commission. Pursuant to procedures in force, the ECCAS Commission grants approval following a favourable opinion from the meeting of Ministers.
Procedure for approval of products at the CEMAC/ECCAS preferential tariff
The CEMAC preferential tariff approval application procedure has 8 main steps:
Step 1: Collection of application forms
Application forms can be collected from the Technical Secretariat of the National Approval Committee (door R47, R43, R35 of MINCOMMERCE) or from the head office of CCIMA, GICAM, MECAM or SYNDUSTRICAM.
Step 2: Filling in of the form based on the required criterion
Specify which of the 3 criteria qualifies for the preferential tariff: (i) the criterion of full sourcing (100% of raw materials); (ii) the criterion of incorporation; and (iii) the criterion of added value.
Step 3: Submission of the completed application to the Technical Secretariat
Approval application files are submitted to MINCOMMERCE upon receipt. The Technical Secretariat verifies the information provided in the applications and their conformity.
Step 4: Visit to the company by the Technical Secretariat of the National Approval Committee
At this stage, the Committee checks that the company actually exists and that the manufacturing process, as described in the file, is being followed. A report on the visit is produced. In the event of non-compliance, the file may be rejected or submitted for correction, and the company may resubmit it to the Committee.
Step 5: Review of applications by the National Approval Committee
The National Committee looks at the applications submitted by the Technical Secretariat. This Committee is inter-Ministerial and also open to the private sector.
Step 6: Forwarding of applications to the CEMAC Commission
Applications which received a favourable opinion are forwarded, at the expense of the National Committee, to CEMAC Commission for consideration by the Regional Origin Committee.
Step 7: Meeting of the Regional Origin Committee
The Regional Origin Committee issues an opinion on applications received from the States and submits those with a favourable opinion to the CEMAC Council of Ministers.
Step 8: Granting of approval
Approval is granted by the CEMAC Council of Ministers. It is permanent as long as the criteria for obtaining it remain unchanged.
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