Democratic Republic of the Congo
CD · COD
As of: 6/22/2026
Rohstoff-Exporteur (Kupfer/Kobalt), Binnenland-Transit über Kongo-Fluss und Hafen Matadi
Capital: Kinshasa
SADC / COMESA / CEEACSeaRiverRoadRailAirImport VAT: Standardsatz 16 Prozent auf Zollwert plus Zoll und NebenkostenCustoms: hochRisk: hochPharma/Cold Chain: mittelDangerous Goods: mittel bis hochE-Commerce: niedrig
Overview
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (ISO Code: CD) is located in Central Africa and shares borders with nine countries, including Angola, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Politically, it is a presidential republic with a highly centralized government. The climate ranges from equatorial in the Congo Basin with high rainfall to tropical southern and savannah-like in the peripheral regions. Economically, the country is rich in resources such as copper, cobalt, diamonds, and coltan, which play a central role in foreign trade. The import of consumer goods, machinery, and food is high, as local production does not meet demand. Logistically, the Port of Matadi and the inland river system of the Congo serve an important transit function to transport goods regionally and internationally. The national currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF), which is used for domestic trade and financial transactions. Despite its natural resources, infrastructure in transport and logistics remains limited, affecting export and supply chains. Investments in ports, roads, and rail networks are crucial to strengthen economic competitiveness. The DRC is regionally significant for resource exports and for supplying neighboring countries.
Mentioned countries
Area2,344,858 km²
Population109,276,265
CurrencyCongolese Franc (CDF)
Economic areaSADC / COMESA / CEEAC
ContinentAfrica
ReligionsChristentum
ISO codeCD / COD
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises (DGDA)Import system
Elektronische Abfertigung über SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA); Vorabanmeldungen via Single Window SEGUCE/GUICE. Vorversandinspektion durch BIVAC (Bureau Veritas) und Konformitätskontrolle durch OCC.
Export system
Exportabwicklung ebenfalls über SYDONIA World und SEGUCE, begleitet durch OCC. Bergbau-Rohstoffexporte unterliegen zusätzlichen Kontrollen und Zertifizierungen.
Import VAT
- Standardsatz 16 Prozent auf Zollwert plus Zoll und Nebenkosten
- ermässigt 1 Prozent für bestimmte Güter
- 0 Prozent auf Exporte. Erhebung bei Einfuhr durch die DGDA.
Customs complexityhoch
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung (französisch)
- Packliste
- Konnossement / Luftfrachtbrief
- Importlizenz
- Ursprungszeugnis
- Vorversandinspektion BIVAC
- OCC-Konformitätsbescheinigung
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Konnossement / Luftfrachtbrief
- Ausfuhrdeklaration
- Ursprungszeugnis
- OCC-Bescheinigung
Origin proofs / FTA
Ursprungszeugnis erforderlich; präferenzielle Ursprungsregeln im Rahmen von COMESA und SADC möglich. Die DR Kongo ist AfCFTA-Mitglied.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Beschränkungen u.a. für Waffen, gefährliche Abfälle und Konfliktmineralien. Pharmazeutika und Lebensmittel unterliegen der OCC-Konformitätskontrolle.
Export controls & sanctions
UN-Waffenembargo (Resolution 1533, verlängert bis 1. Juli 2026) gegen nichtstaatliche bewaffnete Gruppen. EU- und US-Sanktionen 2025 gegen M23-Akteure.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
Process (simplified)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Cargo airports
- Aéroport International de Kinshasa-N'Djili (FIH)
- Aéroport International de Lubumbashi-Luano (FBM)
Seaports / access ports
- Matadi
- Boma
- Banana
Inland ports & terminals
- Kinshasa
- Kisangani
- Ilebo
Road corridors & border crossings
- Route Nationale 1: Matadi–Kinshasa (ca. 355 km)
- Lubumbashi–Kasumbalesa (Grenze Sambia)
Rail corridors
- Matadi–Kinshasa (SCTP)
- Lubumbashi–Sakania (SNCC, Anschluss südliches Afrika)
Top trade lanes
- DR Kongo–China
- DR Kongo–Sambia/Südafrika
- DR Kongo–EU (Belgien)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskhoch
Customs delay riskhoch
Port congestion riskmittel bis hoch
Risk notes
Bewaffneter Konflikt im Osten (M23) belastet Goma und Bukavu; schwache Infrastruktur, Korruptions- und Verzögerungsrisiken bei der Abfertigung. Sicherheitslage regional sehr unterschiedlich.
Seasonal & weather risks
Regenzeiten (im Norden ca. Oktober–Mai, im Süden November–April) können Strassen und Flussschifffahrt beeinträchtigen; der Wasserstand des Kongo schwankt saisonal.
Current logistics notes
Stand Juni 2026: Konflikt im Osten dauert an, M23 kontrolliert Teile von Nord- und Süd-Kivu (Goma, Bukavu). UN-Waffenembargo bis 1. Juli 2026 verlängert. Hafen Matadi bleibt Haupttor.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Ndjili International Airport
FIH · Kinshasa
Bandundu Airport
FDU · Bandundu
Bangoka International Airport
FKI · Kisangani
Bukavu Kavumu Airport
BKY · Kamakombe
Bunia Airport
BUX · Bunia
Buta Zega Airport
BZU · Buta
Gbadolite Airport
BDT · Gbadolite
Gemena Airport
GMA · Gemena
Goma International Airport
GOM · Goma
Kalemie Airport
FMI · Kalemie
Kamina Air Base
Lumwe
Kananga Airport
KGA · Kananga
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
mittel bis hochVerified: 2026-06-22
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which port is the main import gateway of the DRC?
The Atlantic port of Matadi on the Congo River, about 150 km inland, is the main maritime gateway. Boma (mainly vehicles) and the deepwater port of Banana complement it.
What is the import VAT rate in the DRC?
The standard rate is 16 percent on the customs value plus duty. A reduced rate of 1 percent applies to certain goods; exports are zero-rated. Collected by the DGDA.
Which customs system does the DRC use?
The DGDA uses SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA); pre-declarations run through the SEGUCE/GUICE single window. Pre-shipment inspection by BIVAC and conformity control by the OCC.
Which documents are required for imports?
Commercial invoice (in French), packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, import licence, certificate of origin, BIVAC pre-shipment inspection and OCC conformity certificate.
Are there sanctions or export controls related to the DRC?
A UN arms embargo (Resolution 1533) against non-state armed groups runs until 1 July 2026. The EU and the US imposed sanctions on M23 actors in 2025.
What is the current security and logistics situation?
The east (North and South Kivu, including Goma and Bukavu) is affected by the M23 conflict. The west with Kinshasa and the port of Matadi remains operational but with delay risks.
What does the DRC mainly export?
Mainly mining commodities: copper and cobalt (world leader in cobalt), plus gold, diamonds and tin. The main trading partner is China.
Which trade partners are important for Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Democratic Republic of the Congo?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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