According to Act No. 19 of 1981 which established CAMARTEC, the core functions of CAMARTEC are stated as:

1. To carry out, and promote the carrying out of applied research designed to facilitate the designing, adaptation and development of machinery and equipment suitable for use in agricultural and rural development;
2. To develop and manufacture approved prototypes, components and cultural techniques and technologies, and evaluate their suitability for adaptation and alternative use in rural agricultural production;
3. To adapt foreign designs of agricultural machinery and equipment to suit local conditions of manufacture and maintenance, for use in rural agriculture;
4. To develop and manufacture approved prototypes, components and spares of agricultural machinery and equipment which are not available in large quantities in the United Republic;
5. To perform tests on all types of machinery and equipment intended for use in agricultural and rural development in the United Republic, and to publish the results of each such test;
6. To formulate and conduct short courses designed to provide practical training and further knowledge to village and other artisans in the use and maintenance of agricultural machinery and other appropriate technology machinery and equipment;
7. To advise and provide support services to organizations and persons undertaking the extension and implementation of programmers and projects resulting from the work of the Centre;
8. To offer consultancy services on the designing, testing and other technical aspects of agricultural and other machinery and equipment for use in rural development;
9. To offer consultancy services relating to the marketing, financial and other managerial aspects of agricultural and rural development through the adaptation and use of appropriate technology;
10. To provide relevant information and advice to the agricultural sector relating to the design, production, marketing, supply, use and maintenance of agricultural and other appropriate technology machinery and equipment;
11. To formulate and execute projects and programs designed to encourage or facilitate the establishment and development of village workshops and other rural production and maintenance facilities;
12. To act as the national link with other national and international institutions engaged in activities related or similar to the functions of the Centre;
13. To do anything which maybe necessary to uphold and support the credit of the Center, to obtain and justify public confidence, to avert or minimize any loss to the Center and to facilitate the proper and efficient performance of its functions.