Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
67
payment process is still mainly done manually in cash or cheques with some clients using online
banking.
The use of the e-GUCE platform is obligatory by law as it is directly related to the Customs
clearance process.
Currently, paper-based procedures and electronic data records co-exist. The legal framework
for paperless procedures is in place and the Single Window provides for full electronic
documents. Individual parts of the Customs services however still insist to receive paper
documents.
User coverage
The current end-users comprise shipping lines, registered customs brokers, and traders –see
Traders have direct access to e-GUCE, but it is an established practice to use Customs
broker or the so-called declarants63 for the customs clearance process.
Table 17: Cameroon e-GUCE Single Window End-users
Type of end-user Total (country) Total using the SW SW% of Country total
Shipping Lines 18 18 100%
Air Ground Handlers 0%
Transporters 0%
Warehouses 0%
Freight Forwarders 200 140 70%
Customs Brokers 150 105 70%
Source: Authors’ from OIC survey
4.1.3. Organizational Management
The Single Window is managed by the “Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur” (GUCE-GIE),
which was established in 1999 as a group of economic interest created by Government decree.
Its members are from both the private sector and public sector.
 Private sector: insurance companies, banks, stevedoring companies, shipping
companies, chamber of commerce and le Groupement Inter-Patronal du Cameroon
(GICAM);
 Public sector: At ministerial level Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, and the
Ministry of Commerce, and at the executive administrative level, Customs
Administration, Port Authority of Douala (PAD), National office for Cocoa and Coffee
(ONCC), National Shipping Council (CNCC) and other technical administrations.
Three bodies are responsible for the political oversight of the e-GUCE Single Window; a General
Assembly, a Board of directors and the General Administration. The General Assembly is
composed of the state representatives by of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport and
Ministry of Commerce. Traders and competent authorities are also represented as well as the
63 Any individual can undertake customs clearance of cars. In practice however, most of the owner of the goods use
declarants for the formalities. These formalities are not registered as are the customs brokers and do not have an access to
ASYCUDA++, hence requesting the use of a Customs Broker for the submission of the Declaration in ASYCUDA++