Cameroon regulates the use and import of telecommunications and radio devices to ensure spectrum efficiency and product safety. The key regulatory body is the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART – Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications). For electrical safety and general product conformity, oversight may fall under ANOR (Agence des Normes et de la Qualité).
1. Type Approval for Wireless and Telecom Devices
All radio frequency (RF) and telecommunications equipment—such as mobile phones, routers, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices—must receive type approval from ART before they can be sold or operated in Cameroon.
The approval process involves:
- Application submission via a locally registered representative
- Providing technical documentation, including:
- Frequency ranges and power output
- Test reports from recognized labs (e.g., CE, FCC)
- Product photos and user manuals
- Administrative review by ART
- Issuance of a type approval certificate
Local testing is generally not required, but compliance with international standards is expected.
Certificate validity: 5 years
Typical lead times: 4 to 6 weeks, depending on product category and documentation quality
2. Electrical Safety and EMC Compliance
Cameroon does not have a uniform national scheme for pre-market electrical safety certification. However, products must meet international safety standards and may be checked by customs or market surveillance authorities. Importers should prepare:
- Declarations of conformity
- CE marking or equivalent documentation
- User manuals in French and/or English, depending on the region
For certain high-risk products (like power adapters, appliances, and lighting), ANOR may require compliance with applicable Cameroonian standards.
Certificate validity: Not standardized; depends on product and documentation
Typical lead times: 1 to 2 weeks if documentation is reviewed at customs
Customs and Import Considerations
To import telecom or electronic devices into Cameroon:
- Obtain ART type approval for RF/telecom equipment
- Ensure electrical safety and EMC documentation is available
- Include product labeling and manuals in French and/or English
- Work with a locally registered importer or representative for regulatory and customs processes
Non-compliant or unapproved products may be delayed or blocked at the border.
Closing remarks
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Cameroonian market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in Cameroon is essential for legal importation and successful commercialization. Whether you're launching telecom equipment, wireless devices, or consumer electronics—compliance is your passport to Cameroon.
Need help managing Cameroon approval? We are happy to guide you through it!
