Customs Administration Takes Bold Steps to Rectify Vehicle Seizures Based on Value Determinations

The instruction, outlined in a note dated March 7 and addressed to sector heads and zone coordinators of the special mission to Stop Illicit Trade (Halcomi 3), aims to rectify the ongoing issue of vehicles being seized incorrectly for their taxable values.

Despite previous directives prohibiting such seizures, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga expressed dismay that certain customs officials continue to carry out vehicle seizures based on incorrect valuation assessments. He emphasized the priority of focusing on contraband goods rather than seizing vehicles solely based on value determinations.

Since October 2022, control teams have been instructed not to seize vehicles based on value reasons. Instead, they are required to verify whether vehicles have been cleared by customs using the Cosmos application, specifically designed for monitoring imported motor vehicles in Cameroon. In cases of uncertainty, the details of the vehicles in question are to be referred to the Customs Investigations and Surveillance Division for further assessment and action.

The Director General stressed the importance of strict compliance with the directive to curb unhealthy practices that tarnish the image of the Customs administration. The implementation of the Cosmos application in 2021 has played a pivotal role in enhancing customs revenue collection, particularly from vehicle imports. Statistics indicate a significant increase in revenue generated from vehicle imports since the introduction of the Cosmos application, underscoring its effectiveness in streamlining customs operations and revenue collection processes.