We export Japanese used tires by the full container. Cameroon has a customs peculiarity that works in favour of used goods, and it is worth knowing before you compare offers.
Kribi
Cameroon does not tax used tires on the invoice value but on a flat mercuriale value — 3,000 FCFA per passenger tire, 25,000 FCFA per truck tire, 6,000,000 FCFA for a 20ft container. That is clearly below the level applied to new tires.
ANOR certificate of conformity
We found no permit scheme specific to used tires. Clearance does however require a certificate of conformity (CdC) issued by ANOR, the standards agency. Allow for it in your schedule: it is arranged before the vessel arrives, not after.
The mercuriale, and what we do not know
Structurally, the cost of importing therefore favours used over new — a point few suppliers explain.
Note that since January 2026 the new CEEAC–CEMAC common external tariff applies, with bands from 0 to 40%. We could not confirm which band HS 4012.20 falls into, and we would rather say so than quote a figure. Your clearing agent in Douala will give you the current rate.
The ocean route
Douala remains the traditional gateway and centralises clearance. Kribi, the newer deepwater port, is growing but customs agencies are still thin on the ground there. The Camp Yabassi district of Douala is where the country’s used tire trade concentrates.
We load from thirteen Japanese ports — Ishikari, Tomakomai, Hachinohe, Akita, Sendai, Niigata, Kashiwazaki, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Moji. Which one we use depends on where the stock is collected, not on where you are.
We do not publish transit times, because they depend on the carrier and the routing on the day. Ask us when you enquire and we will give you the schedule we are actually being quoted.
What fits in a container
- Passenger car tires (PCR), 12–17 inch — about 3,500 pieces in a 40ft, loaded 2-in-1 or 3-in-1
- Truck and bus tires (TBR), 11R22.5 single size — 288 pieces in a 40ft
- Mixed PCR and light truck — roughly 2,200 PCR plus 500–550 LT pieces
Full size lists and grading are on the category pages: passenger car tires, truck & bus tires, light truck tires and casings for retreading.
Terms and payment
We quote CIF to your discharge port. Marine insurance is included on every shipment. Freight is normally prepaid in Japan; collect at your end can be arranged if that suits your bank better.
Most customers pay by T/T. For a yearly contract we also work with L/C at sight.
FAQ — importing used tires from Japan to Cameroon
What documents are needed for clearance?
A certificate of conformity (CdC) issued by ANOR, on top of the usual shipping documents which we provide.
How does customs calculate the value?
On a flat mercuriale value, independent of the invoice: 3,000 FCFA per passenger tire, 25,000 FCFA per truck tire, 6,000,000 FCFA for a 20ft container. That is below the level applied to new tires.
What is the duty rate?
The new CEEAC–CEMAC common external tariff has applied since January 2026, with bands from 0 to 40%. We could not confirm the band for HS 4012.20 and prefer not to quote a figure: ask your clearing agent for the current rate.
Douala or Kribi?
Douala in most cases: clearance is centralised there and the agencies are established. Kribi is a growing deepwater port but the forwarder ecosystem around it is still limited.
What is the minimum order?
One 40ft container.
Request an offer for Cameroon
Send us your discharge port, the sizes you want and the rough quantity. We reply with a CIF price and the loading schedule.
How the buying process works — from the first enquiry through inspection, loading and documents.
