Common Export Mistakes and how to avoid them
Exporters across Cameroon and the CEMAC region lose time, money and credibility every year because of avoidable mistakes in markets, paperwork and partnerships. Knowing the most common traps, and how to sidestep them can quickly turn exporting from a stressful gamble into a structured growth strategy for your business.
Exporting can open powerful doors for Cameroonian and CEMAC businesses, but many new exporters repeat the same costly errors that slow them down or damage their reputation with foreign buyers. The most frequent problems include rushing into the wrong markets, weak documentation, confusion around Incoterms and costs, packaging that is not export‑ready, poorly chosen partners and neglect of compliance or sustainability rules. This article shares practical, easy‑to‑understand pitfalls to avoid so your first, or next export steps are more confident, compliant and profitable.
1. Choosing the wrong market or buyer
One of the most common mistakes is saying “yes” to any country or buyer that shows interest, without checking whether there is real, stable demand or friendly regulations. This can lead to unpaid invoices, blocked goods at destination, or products that simply do not move because they are not adapted to the market.
To avoid this, treat export like a project, not a gamble. Start by focusing on one or two priority markets, check basic indicators (demand, import rules, logistics costs, payment risk) and use support from chambers of commerce, business councils and trade promotion institutions to validate your choice.
2. Weak documentation and customs surprises
Export documentation is another frequent source of trouble for new exporters. Errors such as incomplete commercial invoices, wrong HS codes, missing Certificates of Origin or inconsistencies between invoice and packing list often result in customs delays, extra fees or even seizure of goods.
Building a simple documentation checklist can dramatically reduce these risks. Work with a trusted freight forwarder or customs broker, use standard templates, and always double‑check that the data (quantities, values, weights, Incoterms, buyer details) match across all documents before shipment.
3. Misunderstanding Incoterms and total costs
Many exporters accept Incoterms like FOB, CIF or EXW without really understanding who is responsible for what, or which costs are included in their price. The result is often disputes when unexpected charges appear, damaging trust with buyers and eating into already thin margins.
Basic Incoterms training is an investment, not a luxury. Before quoting, calculate the full landed cost for the buyer and make sure both parties clearly understand and agree in writing where the seller’s responsibility stops and where the buyer’s begins.
4. Packaging and labelling not fit for export
Using the same packaging as for local sales is a classic mistake. For sea or long-distance transport, weak cartons, poor palletisation or missing “fragile / keep dry / this side up” markings increase damage, claims and reputational risk.
To avoid this, upgrade to export‑grade packaging suitable for your product and mode of transport. Check labelling requirements in the destination market (language, origin, safety information, barcodes) and align with your buyer’s specifications from the start.
5. Choosing the wrong partners and channels
Another common error is rushing into long‑term relationships with the first agent or distributor who shows interest, without clear selection criteria or written expectations. This can lead to inactive partners, conflicts over territories or pricing, and missed opportunities with more serious counterparts.
A better approach is to define what a “good partner” means for your business; market coverage, experience, financial strength, technical capacity, and then screen candidates accordingly. Always formalise the relationship with written agreements that cover territory, product lines, minimum efforts or volumes, branding and communication rules.
6. Ignoring compliance and sustainability requirements
Today, buyers and regulators pay close attention to issues like product safety, traceability, environmental impact and labour conditions. Exporters who ignore these requirements risk shipment rejections, cancelled contracts or damage to their company name in international markets.
To stay ahead, keep informed about standards in your target markets and sector, whether they relate to quality, packaging, chemicals, deforestation, or social compliance. Use audits, certifications or step‑by‑step improvement plans to progressively align your operations with buyer and regulatory expectations.
How CTBC can help you export better
The good news is that most export mistakes are avoidable once you know where the real risks lie and put simple systems in place. By taking time to prepare, surrounding yourself with the right partners and building solid internal processes, you can position your company as a reliable, long‑term supplier in international markets.
Through our programmes, missions and information sessions, we offer a practical platform for companies that want to enter or strengthen their presence in export markets. Members can access market insights, B2B opportunities and guidance that help them avoid costly errors and build more resilient export operations over time.