Cameroon has over 18 million hectares of forest, which is approximately 40% of its national territory. Most of this forest area has been permanently allocated to long-term forest production or conservation, with a smaller area intended for community forestry. The forest sector contributes around 6% of Cameroon’s GDP. It accounts for about 30% of the value of non-oil national exports and is the greatest employer in rural areas. Cameroon is Africa's largest exporter of tropical hardwood to the EU, most of which is sawn timber that goes to Italy and Spain.

Cameroon has signed a VPA with the EU. The aims of the VPA are to strengthen forest governance, promote Cameroon's timber products and improve Cameroon's competitiveness in the international marketplace. The VPA also encourages investment in sustainable forest management and strengthens the capacity of forest stakeholders.

Cameroon is developing the systems needed to control, verify and license legal timber.