Initially signed on 16 November 2021, the ministerial decision awarding special discounts on customs duties amidst increasing freight rates has been subject to another extension. The Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, issued another decision on 3 June 2022 further extending the deadline for the application of the 80% special discount on customs duty to 31 August 2022. This ad-hoc measure, which was first set to end on 28 February 2022, has known two extensions since its implementation.

Note that Guy Innocent Diffouo, Head of the Legislation Department at the Directorate General of Customs, had earlier mentioned that this measure could be renewable if necessary. He further explained that importers will no longer feel the impacts of the rising international freight rates which eventually take a toll on market prices.

The decision to further extend this salutary measure by the Government demonstrates its willingness to assist business persons who, given the state of affairs, still have to face other difficulties that come along with doing business in Cameroon. This move by the Minister of Finance seeks to maintain the stable market prices observed since the implementation of the November 16 ministerial order.