Distillers Alcohol regulations in Cameroon
How to import or export liquor and spirits to Cameroon, how to register products and labels, the import duty and taxes, and how to get a licence to make alcohol there. Researched October 2026.
Research guide, not legal advice. Compiled in October 2026 from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page. Duty rates, fees and rules change often: confirm with the regulator, a customs broker or local counsel before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Status
- Legal
- Legal drinking age
- 18
- Legal purchase age
- 18
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Licence to make spirits (distillery and bottling)
- Licences needed
- Classified Industrial Installation Operating Permit, Commercial Registration Licence, and Excise Manufacturer Tax Registration.
- Authority
- Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT), Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), and Directorate General of Taxation (DGI).
- Documents
- RCCM registration, Taxpayer Identification Card (NIU), Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) clearance, technical production schematics, facility layout, and municipal zoning approval.
- Fees
- not confirmed
- Time to obtain
- not confirmed
Import licence and registration
- Who can import
- Corporate entities registered in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM), possessing a Taxpayer Identification Number (NIU), and enrolled in the National Importers Registry (Fichier des Importateurs).
- Licences or registrations
- Importer Card (Fichier des Importateurs registration), e-Force GUCE account, and Import Declaration (DI).
- Authority
- Ministry of Trade (MINCOMMERCE) and Directorate General of Customs (DGD).
- Documents
- Trade register extract (RCCM), active NIU card, tax compliance certificate (Attestation de non-redevance), commercial invoice, bill of lading, and bank domiciliation.
- Fees
- Approximately XAF 25,000 for annual registration in the National Importers Registry, plus administrative transaction fees.
- Time to obtain
- Approximately 1 to 2 weeks for importer registration.
Product and label registration
Required: yes Process: Mandatory Pre-Shipment Evaluation of Conformity (PECAE) program prior to shipment. Importers/exporters must have shipments inspected, tested, and audited in the country of supply by accredited bodies (e.g.,…
Import rules
Shipments must be covered by an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC / ECTN) issued via the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC/CNCC). Commercial shipments valued at or above XAF 2,000,000 require a Report on Valuation and…
Import duty on spirits (HS 2208)
30% Common External Tariff (CEMAC CET Category IV / everyday consumer goods) applied on CIF value.
Excise and taxes
Spirits are subject to an ad valorem excise duty of 25% to 50% calculated on CIF + customs duty. Specific excise duty applies per centiliter: for imported lower-end whiskies, CFA 20/cl (CFA 2,000/L); higher-end imported whiskies,…
Retail and distribution
Governed by Decree No. 90/1483 of 9 November 1990 regulating beverage establishments. Retailing spirits requires a Category III Licence (bars/restaurants/shops selling distilled spirits) or Category IV Licence (nightclubs/dancing…
Online sale and delivery
allowed
Labelling
Labels must be in French and/or English (Cameroon's official languages). Must state the commercial designation of the beverage, net volume, alcohol by volume (% ABV), country of origin, full identity and address of the…
Advertising
Regulated under Law No. 2006/018 of 29 December 2006 on advertising. Alcohol advertising is restricted regarding format, broadcast timing, media channels, arguments, and actors (must not feature minors or encourage excessive…
Legal definitions of spirits
Controlled by national standards administered by ANOR harmonized with CEMAC and CODEX Alimentarius definitions for distilled spirits (e.g., whisky, rum, gin, vodka). Standard minimum ABV is generally 37.5%–40% ABV depending on…
Dry or restricted areas
No nationwide or regional dry jurisdictions; alcohol is legal across all ten regions. Local administrative authorities (Prefects and Sub-Prefects) possess legal powers to enforce temporary bans or venue curfews around schools,…
Recent changes
The 2026 Finance Law instituted an increase in specific excise duties on imported distilled spirits and whiskies, setting tiered specific duties of CFA 20 to CFA 30 per centiliter for whiskies and up to CFA 100 per centiliter for…
Opportunities for exporters
Growing demand for premium packaged spirits, single malts, and brandies among urban middle- and high-income consumers in Douala and Yaoundé creates steady export potential. However, suppliers must factor in cumulative border…
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- Business in Cameroon - Cameroon 2026 Finance Law: Wine and Spirits Excise Hikes
- International Trade Administration (Trade.gov) - Cameroon Customs Regulations and Standards
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Cameroon Corporate - Other Taxes
- TÜV Rheinland - Pre-Shipment Conformity Assessment Program (PECAE) Cameroon
- Loi N° 2006/018 du 29 décembre 2006 régissant la publicité au Cameroun
- LeFisk Cameroun - Procédure d'importation et dédouanement des marchandises au Cameroun 2026
- LeFisk Cameroun - Licence d'exploitation débit de boissons au Cameroun 2026
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