Cameroon Product Conformity Assessment (PECAE) Program – Overview

Cameroon’s PECAE program, managed by ANOR, is a mandatory pre-shipment compliance system requiring regulated imports to undergo inspection and verification. Exporters must obtain an Attestation of Conformity from an authorized assessment body, which ANOR uses to issue the Certificate of Conformity. This certificate is essential for customs clearance and legal importation. The program protects consumers, ensures product quality, and promotes fair trade by verifying that products entering Cameroon meet established technical and safety standards.

1. Purpose and Scope

Cameroon requires regulated imported goods to be inspected and certified before they can be shipped to and cleared in the country. The Pre‑Shipment Evaluation of Conformity (PECAE) program ensures that products entering the Cameroonian market meet applicable quality, safety, and technical standards. This protects consumers, supports local industries, and prevents the entry of substandard or unsafe products.

2. Government Authority

The program is administered by L’Agence des Normes et de la Qualité (ANOR), Cameroon’s Agency for Standards and Quality. ANOR oversees the conformity assessment system, sets regulatory requirements, and ensures inspections and certifications are conducted according to national technical regulations. PECAE is part of Cameroon’s legal framework for controlling the quality and safety of imported products.

3. Certificate of Conformity

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) demonstrates that imported goods comply with Cameroonian standards and technical regulations. Exporters must obtain an Attestation of Conformity (AoC) from an authorized conformity assessment body, which ANOR then uses to issue the official Certificate of Conformity. The CoC is required for customs clearance, and shipments without it may be refused or delayed.

4. Products Subject to Verification

The PECAE program applies to all regulated imported products unless specifically exempted. Most products destined for Cameroon require conformity verification, including:

• Food and agricultural products

• Electrical, electronic, and energy products

• Personal care items, textiles, and footwear

• Construction materials and packaging

• Automotive parts and lubricants

• Machinery, industrial equipment, and pressure equipment

• Toys, protective equipment, and other consumer goods

• Used goods

Specific categories and applicable standards are defined in national regulatory decrees.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

Step 1- Initiating the Procedure - Exporters submit an application and supporting documents to an authorized conformity assessment organization to start the verification process in the exporting country.

Step 2 - Document Review and Risk Analysis - The assessment body reviews documentation, conducts a risk analysis, and determines the appropriate verification method, which may vary based on product type, risk, and shipment frequency.

Step 3 - Inspection and Testing - Inspections and any necessary testing are carried out to verify product identity, quality, labelling, and compliance with technical standards. Sampling or laboratory analysis may be required.

Step 4 - Attestation of Conformity - The authorized assessment body issues an Attestation of Conformity (AoC) confirming that the shipment meets the required standards.

Step 5 - Certificate of Conformity - ANOR issues the official Certificate of Conformity (CoC) based on the AoC. This certificate must accompany the shipment for customs clearance.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Exporters

• Determine if products are regulated under PECAE

• Initiate the conformity assessment process

• Provide accurate documentation and facilitate inspection/testing

• Obtain the Attestation of Conformity and submit it for issuance of the CoC

Importers

• Verify that shipments have a valid CoC

• Present the certificate to customs for clearance

• Ensure products comply with regulations before distribution

Shipments without a valid certificate may be delayed or refused.

7. Objectives of the PECAE Program

• Protect Consumers: Ensure imported products are safe and meet quality standards

• Uphold Product Quality: Confirm compliance with technical and safety standards

• Support Fair Trade: Prevent substandard goods from undermining local industry

• Enhance Market Surveillance: Strengthen regulatory oversight and customs control

How SANTIQ Can Assist

SANTIQ supports exporters in navigating Cameroon’s PECAE program by providing end-to-end assistance in obtaining the required Attestation of Conformity and Certificate of Conformity. Through our established network of trusted partners, inspection bodies, and accredited testing laboratories, we help clients prepare documentation, coordinate pre-shipment inspections, and complete any required product testing in advance. This proactive approach ensures compliance with Cameroonian standards, minimizes delays, and enables smoother customs clearance for regulated goods entering the Cameroonian market.