🇨🇩 Import Customs & Duties: DR Congo
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. Additional parafiscal taxes and fees common, total tax burden can reach 30-40% of CIF.
Clearance Time
7-21 days express, 30-90 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% (complex tariff, enforcement unpredictable) | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-30% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% | 64 |
| Food products | 5-30% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-10% (mining equipment 5%) | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% | 33 |
| Books | 0-5% | 49 |
| Toys | 10-20% | 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 Accises (DGDA) manages customs. ASYCUDA World system for electronic declarations (partially operational). Customs broker mandatory. Multiple entry points: Matadi port (Atlantic), Mombasa route via Lubumbashi (for eastern DRC), N'djili airport Kinshasa. French documentation required. Pre-shipment inspection by BIVAC mandatory.
What to Actually Expect
DRC, extremely challenging. DGDA customs notorious for lengthy delays and endemic corruption. Matadi port (160km from Kinshasa) severely congested. Mombasa route via Lubumbashi serves eastern DRC but adds weeks. Informal payment demands at every stage. Can take months for complex shipments. Express couriers (DHL) offer some reliability but at very high cost. Security situation in eastern provinces (North/South Kivu) affects logistics. Multiple agencies create bureaucratic maze. One of the world's most difficult customs environments.
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 required. Pre-shipment inspection by BIVAC mandatory. Strict controls on minerals (Kimberley Process for diamonds), arms, and hazardous goods. Multiple government agencies involved, up to 8 different agencies may inspect cargo. Pharmaceutical imports require DPM approval.
Certificate of Origin
Federation des Entreprises du Congo (FEC) issues certificates. COMESA and SADC certificates for regional trade. Consular legalization frequently required. Documentation must be in French.
Learn more →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 DR Congo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for DR Congo?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into DR Congo is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to DR Congo?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to DR Congo is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Additional parafiscal taxes and fees common, total tax burden can reach 30-40% of CIF.
How long does customs clearance take in DR Congo?
Typical customs clearance in DR Congo takes 7-21 days express, 30-90 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into DR Congo?
To import into DR 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 DR Congo?
DR 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.