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Customs, brokers, and informal sectors : a Cameroon case study

Author

Listed:
  • Cantens, Thomas
  • Kaminski, Jonathan
  • Kaminski, Jonathan
  • Raballand, Gael
  • Tchapa, Tchouawou

Abstract

Based on extensive interviews with informal importers and brokers in Cameroon, this paper explains why customs reform aimed at reducing fraud and corruption may be difficult to achieve. Informal traders and brokers (without licenses) follow various business models and practices, which are product-specific. Overall, what matters first are customs brokers'practices. Information asymmetries mark transactions between brokers and importers and are accompanied by misperceptions of the costs and risks of informal brokers working among informal importers. In a low-governance environment with widespread informal practices, blanket policies should be avoided in order to discourage activities of unprofessional and systematic bribe-taker brokers. It is also essential that customs officials disrupt information asymmetries and better disseminate information to informal importers on customs processes and official costs. Finally, customs should more strongly sanction some informal brokers in order to reduce collusion with some customs officers.

Suggested Citation

  • Cantens, Thomas & Kaminski, Jonathan & Kaminski, Jonathan & Raballand, Gael & Tchapa, Tchouawou, 2014. "Customs, brokers, and informal sectors : a Cameroon case study," Policy Research Working Paper Series 6788, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6788
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thomas Cantens & Gaël Raballand & Samson Bilangna & Marcellin Djeuwo, 2012. "Comment la contractualisation dans les administrations fiscales peut-elle limiter la corruption et la fraude ? Le cas des douanes camerounaises. How Can Performance Contracts in Revenue Administration," Revue d’économie du développement, De Boeck Université, vol. 20(3), pages 35-66.
    2. Sonia Tello Rozas & Bernard Gauthier, 2012. "Les tontines favorisent-elles la performance des entreprises au Cameroun ?," Revue d’économie du développement, De Boeck Université, vol. 20(1), pages 5-39.
    3. Ousman Gajigo & Mary Hallward-Driemeier, 2012. "Working Paper 159 - Why do some Firms abandon Formality for Informality? Evidence from African Countries?," Working Paper Series 437, African Development Bank.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Heidi Østbø Haugen, 2018. "The unmaking of a commodity: Intermediation and the entanglement of power cables in Nigeria," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 50(6), pages 1295-1313, September.
    2. Othmani, Abdelhafidh & Slimani, Slah & Bakari, Sayef, 2015. "Les Effets de la Corruption sur le Commerce Extérieur de la Tunisie : Une Approche du Modèle de Gravité Statique durant la Période 1999-2012," MPRA Paper 80894, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Othmani, Abdelhafidh & Slimani, Slah & Bakari, Sayef, 2015. "Les Effets de la Concurrence sur le Commerce Extérieur de la Tunisie : Une Approche du Modèle de Gravité Statique durant la Période 1999-2012 [The Effects of Competition on Foreign Trade in Tunisia," MPRA Paper 80885, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Debt Markets; E-Business; Transport Economics Policy&Planning; Customs and Trade; Financial Intermediation;
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