Do I Still Have to Pay Customs Fees When I Receive My Package?

This is the question we get asked most often. The short answer: yes and no, depending on the type of shipment — but in the vast majority of cases (sea freight groupage, LCL), the answer is no.

For LCL: Usually Not

Your groupage packages travel under the DDP incoterm by default — delivered to our destination warehouse (for example Yaoundé), with customs duties already paid. Customs clearance is handled by ZCL and included in the price quoted at departure. On receipt, you have no customs formalities to complete and no duty invoice to pay on the spot.

And When Is the Answer Yes?

Some shipments follow a different incoterm — typically vehicles and heavy equipment, or specific cases noted at the time of quoting. In these situations, customs clearance on arrival remains your responsibility.

How Do You Know Which Case Applies to You?

The incoterm for your shipment is always stated on your quote. If in doubt, feel free to ask us directly before confirming your shipment — it's precisely to avoid unpleasant surprises that we favor DDP by default for LCL.