AN EVALUATION OF THE CHALLENGES FACED BY CAMEROON IMPORTERS: CASE OF CAR IMPORTATION IN THE DOUALA SEA PORT
By: Nkemngong Mbouya Desmond | Department of Business & Management Studies | Accounting & Finance and Entrepreneurship, Banking and Micofinance Management.
ABSTRACT
The study focused on examining the challenges faced by Cameroon importers, case of Car importation in the Douala sea port. All imported goods are subject to customs clearance at the port of entry in every destination country. Delay in customs clearing of goods causes to emerge and increase demurrage costs and abandonment of cars. The study has determined and evaluated the import challenges faced by countries in the CEMAC zone as some of these countries import through the Douala sea port, Cameroon. Factors was combine to yield different sets of challenges and priorities in these countries. The research methodology concerned about data collection where the researchers was applying systematic approaches in data collection so as to come up with specific findings. The researchers used a survey research design to find the challenges faced by car importers in Cameroon of sea port consignment. Interview was the main instrument for data collection. The Data Extraction table was used to analyse the data gathered in the field. The straight line equation was used to determine the study population, the study used a census of 40 respondents using systematic random sampling technique, and method of data collection (primary and secondary data). These respondents consisted of the Douala Port Authority Managers, the Cameroon Custom Authorities, clearing agents, import clients and dwellers of all works of life. The finding revealed that among major challenges come as the results of clearance procedures in Cameroon being too long, surrounded with corruption environment due to multiple documentation requirements and the procedures are neither transparent enough nor documented. The study concludes with a brief set of policy recommendations.
Key words: challenges, importers, importation, customs clearing.