On April 28, the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife of Cameroon (MINFOF) issued a new decree to revise the classified list of tree species for log exports. The number of tree species banned from log exports has been increased to 91, with only 23 species remaining approved for export. Additionally, an additional export tax on unprocessed forest products will be levied on these permitted species.

Key highlights of the new decree are outlined below:

- Major expansion of the prohibited list
The updated decree raises the number of tree species barred from log exports from 76, as stipulated in the 2024 regulation, to 91. This move further curtails the scope of log exports, including multiple timber varieties widely imported by China.
- Reduced approved species plus additional export tax
Only 23 tree species are now authorized for log exports, which are categorized as "promoted species". Nevertheless, exporters are required to pay the additional tax applicable to exports of unprocessed forest products.
- Phased implementation roadmap confirmed

The authority confirmed that the list of restricted tree species will keep expanding ahead of the full log export ban taking effect on January 1, 2028. The country will eventually achieve a total ban on log exports, with policies being gradually tightened throughout the transition period.

Tree Species List & Source Documents
Appendix 1: List of tree species prohibited from log export and promoted species approved for log export in Cameroon
Table 1: List of Tree Species Prohibited from Export as Logs

Promoted Species Approved for Export as Logs

Table 2: Category 1 Promoted Species

Table 3: Category 2 Promoted Species