🇨🇬 Import Customs & Duties: Congo
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. CEMAC community integration tax of 1% also applies.
Clearance Time
5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-30% | 85 |
| Clothing | 30% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 5-30% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 30% | 33 |
| Books | 5% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 20-30% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Direction Generale des Douanes et Droits Indirects manages customs. CEMAC common external tariff applies (4 bands: 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%). ASYCUDA system for declarations. Pointe-Noire is the main port. French documentation required. Customs broker required for commercial imports.
What to Actually Expect
Pointe-Noire port is the main entry point and also serves landlocked neighbors (CAR, Chad). Port congestion and delays common. Brazzaville customs can be slow. French documentation essential. Informal payments reported. Express couriers available in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license from Ministry of Commerce. Pre-shipment inspection required for goods over certain value. Arms, narcotics, hazardous waste prohibited. Pharmaceuticals need health ministry authorization.
Certificate of Origin
CEMAC certificate for regional trade. Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie, d'Agriculture et des Metiers de Brazzaville issues certificates. Consular legalization may be required.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Congo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Congo?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Congo is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Congo?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Congo is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. CEMAC community integration tax of 1% also applies.
How long does customs clearance take in Congo?
Typical customs clearance in Congo takes 5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Congo?
To import into Congo, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Congo?
Congo prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.