Shipping to and from Democratic Republic of Congo

Limark in the DR of Congo

Reliable, efficient DR Congo shipping

Providing you with expert, compliant, and efficient shipping to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Shipping to and from the DR Congo presents a unique set of logistical complexities. From navigating complex regulations to managing potential delays, businesses need a partner who understands the intricacies of this market. That’s where Limark excels.

With our established network and on-the-ground experience, we ensure your cargo arrives on time, every time. We provide unparalleled efficiency and peace of mind throughout the shipping process through carefully planned routes and proactive communication.

Shipping to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Import regulations

Importing goods to Democratic Republic of Congo requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Products requiring licenses/permits

Precious minerals and gemstones
Wildlife and flora species regulated by CITES
Pharmaceuticals and medicines
Pesticides and other chemical products
Arms, ammunition, and military equipment
Radioactive and nuclear materials

Food and agricultural products

Petroleum and mining products

Prohibited/restricted goods

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (prohibited)
Used/second-hand clothing and footwear (prohibited)
Toxic wastes and hazardous substances (prohibited)
Cultural artifacts and antiquities (restricted)
Counterfeit goods violating IP rights (prohibited)
Encrypted devices and internet communications equipment (restricted)

Relevant agencies

Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises (Customs Authority)
Ministère du Commerce (Ministry of Trade)
Ministère de l’Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture)
Ministère de la Santé Publique (Ministry of Public Health)
Ministère des Mines (Ministry of Mines)
Ministère de l’Environnement (Ministry of Environment)
Office Congolais de Contrôle (OCC) for pre-shipment inspections

Prohibited dangerous goods

The following dangerous goods categories are strictly prohibited from being imported into DRC:

Explosives (Class 1) except for limited quantities approved by authorities
Toxic Gases (Class 2.3)
Radioactive Materials (Class 7)
Organic Peroxides (Class 5.2)

Import Permits Required

Prior import permits from relevant authorities are mandatory for importing:

Flammable Gases (Class 2.1) – Permit from Ministry of Hydrocarbons
Flammable Liquids (Class 3) – Permit from Ministry of Energy
Toxic Substances (Class 6.1) – Permit from Ministry of Environment
Corrosives (Class 8) – Permit from Ministry of Mines

Direct port delivery

Certain high-risk DG classes must be directly delivered to inland transportation without port storage:

Flammable Gases (Class 2.1)
Toxic Substances (Class 6.1)
Oxidizing Substances (Class 5.1)

Port storage limitations

For DG categories allowed storage at ports, different time limits apply at major ports:

Matadi Port: 7 calendar days maximum
Boma Port: 5 calendar days maximum

Dangerous goods cannot be stored beyond these periods and must be evacuated promptly.

Documentation Requirements

Dangerous Goods Declaration as per IMDG Code
Relevant import permits/approvals
Material Safety Data Sheets
Hazardous Substance Certificates

All DG imports are subject to strict inspections, compliance checks, and handling protocols by port authorities in DRC. Penalties are imposed for violations. Using a specialized DG logistics provider is highly recommended.

Demurrage and detention

Free time allowances

10 calendar days for dry containers
5 calendar days for reefer containers

Demurrage charges (per container/per day after free time)

20′ Dry: $30 for days 1-7, $70 after day 7
40′ Dry: $60 for days 1-7, $120 after day 7
20′ Reefer: $55 for days 1-3, $110 after day 3
40′ Reefer: $85 for days 1-3, $170 after day 3

Detention charges

Same rates as demurrage charges apply for containers held outside the port area after free time.

Required documentation

Commercial Invoice with HS codes
Packing List
Transport Document (B/L or AWB)
Import Declaration (Déclaration d’Importation)
Certificate of Origin
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate
Import License/Permit (if required)
Phytosanitary/Health Certificates (for food/Agri imports)
Commercial invoice details
Names and addresses of buyer/seller
HS codes and full description of goods
Currency and payment terms
Quantities and unit values
Incoterms

Certificate of origin requirements

Issued by authorized agencies in the exporting country
Preferential certificates for COMESA/SADC rules
Non-preferential certificates accepted for other origins

Customs clearance procedures

Submit all required documents to the clearing agent
Clearing agent lodges Import Declaration in ASYCUDA system
Risk assessment for documentary checks or scanning/inspection
If selected, containers undergo scanning and physical inspection
Duties/taxes calculated and payment made
Obtain a release order from the customs
Transfer containers to the approved storage facility if needed
Clear cargo from the port within 15 days of payment

Import duties and taxes

Import duty rates from 0%, 5%, 10%, 20% based on HS code
16% value-added tax (VAT) on CIF + duties
Additional taxes: 0.5% OFIDA fee, 1% FRNC fee, 1.75% clearing fee
AVERDA security escort fees for certain corridors
Inspection and verification requirements:
Pre-shipment inspection mandatory for goods >$2500 CIF
Further inspections based on risk criteria (scanning, physical)
Product testing/sampling for regulated categories
Conformity checks against DRC standards and regulations

Major ports of entry

Sea ports

Ports of Matadi and Boma on the Congo River
Majority of import cargo transits via Pointe-Noire (Congo) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

River ports

Port of Kinshasa/Maluku on Congo River
Inland transit facilitated by river convoys

Air cargo

N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa
Luano Airport in Lubumbashi

Port/Terminal requirements

Pre-arrival notifications for containers 72 hours before arrival
Cut-off times vary, e.g. 3-5 days before vessel arrival for sea freight
Separate documentation channels for transit vs local clearance
Container pickup within 15 days after payment release

Export regulations

Exporting goods out of DR Congo requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Products requiring export licenses/permits

Precious minerals (diamonds, gold, coltan, etc.)

Timber and wood products

Wildlife and flora specimens under CITES

Agricultural/food products

Scrap metal and other waste

Prohibited/restricted exports

Exports of raw diamonds are prohibited (only cut/polished allowed)
Endangered/protected wildlife species banned for export
Exports of certain hardwood timbers restricted
Cultural artifacts and national heritage items prohibited

Agencies involved

Ministry of Mines for mineral exports
Ministry of Environment for CITES/wildlife exports
Ministry of Agriculture for agricultural exports
Ministry of Culture for cultural property exports

Customs and documentation

Required documents

Commercial invoice with a full description of goods
Packing list
Bill of lading/air waybill
Export declaration (Déclaration d’Exportation)
Export permit/license (if required)
Certificate of origin
Inspection certificates (quality, phytosanitary, etc.)

Export declaration process

Exporter submits an export declaration in the ASYCUDA system
Provide all supporting documents electronically
Pay any applicable duties/taxes
Obtain release notes after document checks/inspections

Certificates required

Mining certificates for mineral exports
Phytosanitary/quality certificates for agricultural exports
CITES permits for regulated wildlife/flora exports
Certificates of origin for preferential trade

Terminal/port operations

Major ports for exports

Port of Matadi (main maritime port)
Ports of Boma and Banana (alternative maritime ports)
Port of Kinshasa/Maluku on Congo River

Cut-off times/procedures

Pre-arrival instructions to shipping lines 24-48 hours before
Cut-off varies (e.g. 3-5 days before vessel ETD for sea freight)
Late arrivals may incur roll-over charges

Container operations

5-7 days free time for empty container returns
Shipping lines charge detention after a free period
Limited storage space, containers should be dropped same day

Cargo handling and fees

Container detention fees

$30-$70 per day for dry containers after free time
$55-$170 per day for reefer containers after free time

Export duties/taxes

Most exported goods are zero-rated and exempt from duties.
However, some exports are subject to duties:
3% export duty on raw hides and skins
6.66% export duty on waste/scrap metal
Up to 25% export duty on certain timbers

Other potential fees

Port handling charges
Customs penalties for violations/infractions
Guarding and convoy fees (AVERDA) along trade corridors
Transactional fees from freight forwarders/customs brokers

Expertise you can Trust

End-to-end cross-border shipping to and from DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo presents a unique set of challenges for businesses navigating its complex regulatory landscape. Non-compliance with local regulations can lead to costly delays, with an average of 7-10 days’ delay and $5,000 plus in penalties experienced by companies operating without proper guidance. That’s where Limark’s expertise makes the difference.

Our deep understanding of DRC trade requirements ensures seamless, compliant shipments. This translates to an impressive 95% on-time delivery rate, minimizing disruptions and preserving your bottom line. With streamlined processes and a trusted network, Limark guarantees timely deliveries and unlocks significant cost savings. Contact us today and let Limark secure your DRC trade success.

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Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.