Product Approval Procedure under Free Trade Agreements
Entitlement to the preferential arrangements established by the EPA is subject to presenting the proof of origin and requires the issue of a EUR.1 movement of goods certificate, which is required at customs clearance. The proof of origin certifies that goods originating in Cameroon comply with the EPA rules of origin. Requirements applicable to each product can be checked using the Access2Market online platform.
To be eligible for the EPA, products must comply with European regulatory requirements, e.g., regarding packaging and labelling, and the use of pesticides, food additives or other substances in the production process.
Procedure for approval of products under EPAs
The EUR.1 certificate is issued by Cameroon customs at the operator’s request. Customs shall take all necessary measures to verify the originating status of the products. For this purpose, they are empowered to demand all proofs and perform all checks on the exporter’s accounts. If the proof of origin is satisfactory, the customs office issues the EUR.1 certificate. Processing is free of charge and normally takes no longer than 24 hours.
In two circumstances, products originating in Cameroon may benefit from exemption from customs duties to the EU simply upon production of a declaration established by an authorised exporter on an invoice, or when the consignment consists of originating products whose total value does not exceed 6,000 Euros.
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