Country profile
Democratic Republic of the Congo
CD · CODAs of: 6/22/2026Exporter of raw materials (copper/cobalt), inland transit via the Congo River and the port of Matadi
The DRC is a commodity-driven market (copper, cobalt) with limited, challenging logistics. The main gateway is the Atlantic port of Matadi, complemented by Boma and the Congo River inland system. Customs runs through DGDA using SYDONIA World and the SEGUCE single window; import VAT is 16 percent. Clearance delays and the conflict in the east call for careful planning.
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
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises (DGDA)Import system
Electronic clearance via SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA); advance declarations via the Single Window SEGUCE/GUICE. Pre-shipment inspection by BIVAC (Bureau Veritas) and conformity control by OCC.
Export system
Export processing also via SYDONIA World and SEGUCE, accompanied by OCC. Mining raw material exports are subject to additional controls and certifications.
Import VAT
- Standard rate 16 percent on customs value plus duty and incidental costs
- reduced rate 1 percent for certain goods
- 0 percent on exports. Collected at import by the DGDA.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice (in French)
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Import licence
- Certificate of origin
- BIVAC pre-shipment inspection
- OCC conformity certificate
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Export declaration
- Certificate of origin
- OCC certificate
Origin proofs / FTA
Certificate of origin required; preferential rules of origin under COMESA and SADC possible. The DR Congo is an AfCFTA member.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Restrictions apply, among others, to weapons, hazardous waste and conflict minerals. Pharmaceuticals and food are subject to OCC conformity control.
Export controls & sanctions
UN arms embargo (Resolution 1533, extended until 1. July 2026) against non-state armed groups. EU and US sanctions in 2025 against M23 actors.
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)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
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)
Inland ports & terminals
- Kinshasa
- Kisangani
- Ilebo
Road corridors & border crossings
- National Route 1: Matadi–Kinshasa (approx. 355 km)
- Lubumbashi–Kasumbalesa (border with Zambia)
Rail corridors
- Matadi–Kinshasa (SCTP)
- Lubumbashi–Sakania (SNCC, connection to southern Africa)
Top trade lanes
- DR Congo–China
- DR Congo–Zambia/South Africa
- DR Congo–EU (Belgium)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Armed conflict in the east (M23) affects Goma and Bukavu; weak infrastructure, corruption and clearance delay risks. Security situation varies greatly by region.
Seasonal & weather risks
Rainy seasons (in the north approx. October–May, in the south November–April) can affect roads and river navigation; the water level of the Congo fluctuates seasonally.
Current logistics notes
As of June 2026: the conflict in the east continues, M23 controls parts of North and South Kivu (Goma, Bukavu). UN arms embargo extended until 1. July 2026. Port of Matadi remains the main gateway.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
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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:
Next steps
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