(Business in Cameroon) - The Cameroonian Customs Administration recently gathered in Douala, the economic capital, economic operators to prepare the coming into force, on 4 August 2017, of the 2^nd phase of the Economic Partnership Agreements between Cameroon and the European Union, whose goal, ultimately, is to create a free trade zone between these two trade partners by 2023.

This second phase of the EPA will be marked by an increase in the level of tariff dismantling on products in the 1^st group, essentially made of consumer products for households. Their duties will be reduced from 25% last year to 50% starting from August.

At the same time, this second step will mark the start of the tariff dismantling on products in the 2^nd group imported from the European Union. Therefore, all equipment, machinery and tools meant for local production units, will see their duties cut by 15% starting from 4 August 2017. Which should contribute to further decreasing customs revenues for the country, in a rather difficult economic situation for the public Treasury.

BRM