Customs engages importers to adhere to new electronic collection mechanism.

The session was chaired by the Director General of Customs, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga.

The meeting was aimed at sharing information about the new electronic mechanism for collecting customs duties and taxes on mobile phones, tablets, and other mobile devices. 

In a presentation made by the Legislation and Litigation Division of Customs, Chief Customs Inspector Paul Olivier Libii, it was revealed that the Customs Department registered a decline in customs revenue from imports of cell phones, tablets, and other mobile devices. 

He noted that the revenue reportedly fell from 12 billion FCFA to approximately 100 million FCFA over a relatively short period. The Chief Customs Inspector said this fall in revenue is sharp contrast given that the mobile phone market is expanding.

To stem the loss, Article 7 of the 2019 Finance Law established an electronic mechanism for collecting customs duties and taxes on imports of mobile phones, tablets, and other mobile devices. 

However, an initial attempt to implement the reform in 2020 faced resistance but was subsequently addressed by government. 

Going by the Head of the Legislation and Litigation Division of Customs, the legally liable party is the importer, not the consumer under the new mechanism. 

He said payment via phone credit is no longer an option as the new payment methods are Mobile Money, Orange Money, and other secure digital payment methods.

“The role of mobile phone operators has also evolved positively. They will no longer be responsible for collecting and remitting customs duties and taxes. Instead, they will focus on the processes of blocking and unblocking devices,” he said. 

It was revealed that among other benefits, the reform promotes transparency, civic engagement, security, win-win partnerships, ease of tax compliance for users, and ensure a healthier economic market.

Besides the reforms aligning with the modernisation of the customs administration, it will reduce risks of money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as protect the economy against fraud and smuggling. 

During the discussion that ensued, eight categories of mobile phones identified were hoped be expanded with new proposals. 

On his part, the Customs Director General said his administration is open to dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure a well-supported reform. 

He then insisted that the success of the new measure depends on the adherence of all stakeholders and target groups.

In addition, the Head of the Customs IT Division, Marcelin Djeuwo, demonstrated the customs commitment by presenting a plan for addressing pending cases as partners were granted a two-month period of grace to regularize their respective situations. 

As of today March 16, all devices that have been connected at least once to the MTN, CAMTEL, or Orange networks are exempted according to the officials. 

However, the officials said devices that are not connected as of March 16, 2026, but are in stock, must be regularized with the nearest customs office. 

To regularise this, importers are required to submit the IMEI file for devices in stock, along with documents proving the validity of their customs clearance.  

 This article article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3735 of Wednesday March 18, 2026