Import rules · Sub-Saharan Africa

Wood packaging import rules: Cameroon

Cameroon: ISPM 15 status for pallets and crates, approved treatments, the plant protection authority, common pallet sizes and main ports.

Last checked: 2026-10
ISPM 15 on imports
Required
Enforced since
2002
Treatments
HT, MB, DH, SF (ISPM 15 approved treatments)
Plant protection authority
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – Direction de la Réglementation et du Contrôle de la Qualité des Intrants et Produits Agricoles (Cameroon)
Common pallet sizes
1200 × 1000 mm
1200 × 800 mm (EUR)
Main ports
Douala, Kribi (deep-water port)

Overview

Cameroon's own entry on the IPPC site, 'Point sur la mise en oeuvre de la NIMP 15 au Cameroun', states that ISPM 15 is implemented for imports (since 2002) but not required for exports, and the STDF presentation cites Order No. 003/06/A/MINADER of 3 April 2006 as the legal basis, so the status is recorded as yes. Documents from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) include a Cameroon country report and a presentation on implementation of ISPM 15, which show that the country has worked on building capacity for treating and marking wood packaging, mostly in the context of its large timber export sector. The country is absent from the Australian implementation list. Plant protection regulation sits with the agriculture ministry. Cameroon's main gateway is Douala, which also supplies landlocked Chad and the Central African Republic by road and rail, while Kribi has deep-water facilities that have taken a growing share of the traffic. Cameroon is a major exporter of sawn timber and wood products, so many local companies are familiar with heat treatment and the IPPC mark. Imports from France, China and Nigeria use 1200 × 800 mm and 1200 × 1000 mm pallets. No verified pallet pool operates. Shippers should confirm with the Cameroonian consignee and use stamped pallets.

Key points

  • Cameroon reported to the IPPC that ISPM 15 has been required for imports since 2002; Order 003/06/A/MINADER (2006) is cited as legal basis
  • Douala is also the transit port for Chad and the Central African Republic

Frequently asked questions

Does Cameroon require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?

Yes. Cameroon's IPPC entry states ISPM 15 is implemented for imports (since 2002), with the legal basis in Order No. 003/06/A/MINADER of 3 April 2006.

What is the main port?

Douala, with Kribi growing.

Why use marked pallets?

They avoid problems at EU destinations and at transit borders to Chad and the CAR.

Sources

  1. Australian Dept of Agriculture – ISPM 15 implementation dates by country
  2. STDF – Cameroon presentation on implementation of ISPM 15
  3. IPPC country page – Cameroon
  4. IPPC – Cameroon: Point sur la mise en oeuvre de la NIMP 15 au Cameroun

Import rules change. Confirm current requirements with the national plant protection organization or your importer before shipping. This page is general information, not legal advice.