Air Freight Services in Cameroon – Import, Export, and Documentation Guide
Introduction
Air freight has become one of the most vital pillars of international trade. In today’s fast-paced business world, air freight services in Cameroon provide the speed, security, and reliability that businesses and individuals need for both import and export activities. With Douala International Airport and Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport serving as the country’s main air cargo gateways, Cameroon connects Central Africa to global trade routes in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
While sea freight and road transport remain important for bulk cargo, air freight services in Cameroon are indispensable for industries that deal with time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable goods. But successful air freight handling requires more than just booking a flight – it also demands compliance with strict customs procedures and the right shipping documents.
In this blog, we will explore:
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The importance of air freight services in Cameroon.
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The benefits for importers and exporters.
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The types of air freight services available.
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The key documents required for import and export by air.
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How PrimeMove Logistics simplifies the process for businesses and individuals.
The Importance of Air Freight Services in Cameroon
Cameroon is often referred to as the logistics gateway to Central Africa. Landlocked countries like Chad and the Central African Republic rely heavily on Cameroon’s airports and seaports for international trade.
The importance of air freight in Cameroon lies in:
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Speed of delivery – reducing shipment time from weeks (by sea) to just hours or days.
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Global connectivity – linking Douala and Yaoundé to Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, Dubai, and other major hubs.
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Safety and security – strict international standards ensure that high-value cargo is well-protected.
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Support for perishable exports – Cameroonian fresh produce, flowers, and seafood reach Europe and the Middle East via air freight.
Air Freight Services in Cameroon
Air Freight Import Services in Cameroon
Importing goods by air into Cameroon is common for medical supplies, electronics, fashion products, machinery, and spare parts.
Key features of import services include:
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Airport-to-Door Delivery: Cargo collected from Douala or Yaoundé and delivered across Cameroon.
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Customs Clearance: Handling duties, tariffs, and compliance at the airport.
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Cargo Consolidation: Smaller shipments are grouped together to lower costs.
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Special Handling: Fragile, dangerous, or temperature-sensitive goods are given extra care.
For example, a medical company importing vaccines from Europe relies on air freight for speed and temperature-controlled handling to maintain product integrity.
Air Freight Export Services in Cameroon
Exports by air are equally significant. Cameroon is a leading exporter of cocoa, coffee, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and fresh fish.
Export services include:
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Door-to-Airport Collection: Picking up goods from producers or warehouses.
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Export Documentation & Permits: Ensuring all papers are in order for customs.
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Cold Chain Logistics: Special storage for perishable products like bananas or pineapples.
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Global Connections: Access to airlines serving Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
For example, Cameroonian cocoa beans destined for Belgium or fresh pineapples going to Dubai depend on efficient air freight export services to meet demand and preserve quality.
Types of Air Freight Services Available in Cameroon
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Standard Air Freight
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Best for general cargo with no urgency.
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Cost-effective and widely used by businesses.
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Express Air Freight
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For urgent shipments like documents, pharmaceuticals, and spare parts.
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Delivery within 24–72 hours depending on the route.
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Consolidated Air Freight
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Cargo from different shippers is combined in one shipment to reduce costs.
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Popular among small businesses.
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Special Cargo Handling
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For oversized, hazardous, or fragile goods.
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Requires additional documentation and permits.
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Charter Air Freight
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A full aircraft is hired for very large or special shipments.
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Common for oil & gas equipment and relief supplies.
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Documents Required for Air Freight in Cameroon
One of the most crucial aspects of air freight services in Cameroon is documentation. Without the right paperwork, shipments risk delays, fines, or even seizure by customs.
Here are the key documents for both import and export air freight:
1. Air Waybill (AWB)
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Issued by the airline or freight forwarder.
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Serves as a contract of carriage and receipt for the cargo.
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Contains details of the shipper, consignee, cargo description, and routing.
2. Commercial Invoice
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Issued by the exporter to the importer.
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States the value of goods for customs clearance and duty calculation.
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Essential for both imports and exports.
3. Packing List
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Provides details about the contents, packaging type, and weight.
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Helps customs officers and freight handlers verify shipments.
4. Certificate of Origin
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Declares the country where the goods were manufactured.
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Required for trade agreements and tariff reductions.
5. Import Declaration Form (IDF) – Cameroon Imports
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Must be completed and approved by Cameroon’s customs authority before cargo arrives.
6. Export Permit / License – Cameroon Exports
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Certain goods (like cocoa, timber, and minerals) require government permits for export.
7. Insurance Certificate
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Provides proof that the cargo is insured during transit.
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Protects against loss or damage.
8. Phytosanitary Certificate – Agricultural Exports
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Required for plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
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Certifies that goods are pest- and disease-free.
9. Bill of Entry (Imports)
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Filed with Cameroon Customs to declare goods being imported.
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Necessary for tax and duty assessment.
10. Dangerous Goods Declaration (If Applicable)
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Required for chemicals, batteries, or any hazardous cargo.
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Must comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Challenges in Air Freight Documentation
Despite the benefits of air cargo, many importers and exporters in Cameroon face challenges such as:
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Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect forms cause delays.
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Customs Bureaucracy: Lengthy clearance procedures at Douala and Yaoundé airports.
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Regulatory Compliance: Frequent updates in trade laws and tariff codes.
At PrimeMove Logistics, our customs clearance experts ensure all documents are correctly prepared, submitted, and approved, avoiding unnecessary delays or penalties.
The Role of PrimeMove Logistics in Air Freight Services
At PrimeMove Logistics, we provide a complete range of air freight solutions in Cameroon, including:
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Import & Export Air Freight Services – for all types of cargo.
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Customs Documentation & Clearance – accurate and fast processing.
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Door-to-Door Delivery – from warehouse to final destination.
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Cargo Consolidation – cost-effective solutions for smaller shipments.
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Perishable Cargo Handling – temperature-controlled facilities for exports.
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Tracking & Updates – real-time visibility of shipments.
Our experienced team ensures that your shipments comply with Cameroon’s trade laws and international aviation standards, while providing the speed and security your business demands
Conclusion
Air freight services in Cameroon are essential for businesses and individuals who require fast, reliable, and secure shipping solutions for both imports and exports. However, success in air freight depends not only on speed and connectivity but also on proper documentation.
From the Air Waybill and commercial invoice to customs permits and phytosanitary certificates, every shipment must be backed by the right paperwork to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays.
At PrimeMove Logistics, we combine our expertise in freight forwarding, customs clearance, and global logistics to make air freight in Cameroon simple, efficient, and affordable. Whether you’re importing vital equipment, exporting fresh produce, or managing large-scale shipments, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
