Importing FMCG products into the DRC: practical guide
Importing into the Democratic Republic of the Congo requires good preparation: containers arrive via the Congo River estuary, at Matadi or Boma, then reach Kinshasa by road or rail. This guide explains to a Congolese importer how buying an FMCG container from Whitworth works.
Before you order
Before ordering, review with your clearing agent the prior formalities specific to the DRC, which may include an import declaration before shipment. Then send us your product list with quantities. Whitworth sends you a proforma invoice specifying prices, pallets, container fill rate, the Incoterm and the invoicing currency. This proforma is used by your bank for payment and by your clearing agent to prepare the declaration with the DGDA before arrival in Matadi.
Required documents
In the DRC, several bodies are involved: the Direction générale des douanes et accises (DGDA) and the Office congolais de contrôle (OCC).
Commercial invoice
In euros or dollars depending on the agreement, detailed and consistent with your declaration.
Packing list
Essential for the physical check and the conformity verification.
Bill of lading (B/L)
It allows you to collect the container at Matadi or Boma.
Certificate of origin
Proves the European origin of the goods.
Health certificates
Depending on the foodstuffs, often requested during the OCC inspection.
Incoterms offered
We work FOB Antwerp, if you have your own clearing agent and freight contracts, or CIF Matadi, with ocean freight and insurance to the Congolese port. CIF is often chosen by Kinshasa importers who want a single price to the estuary.
Sea transit from Antwerp
Transit from Antwerp to Matadi generally takes four to six weeks, with frequent transhipment and a passage up the estuary subject to draught limits. Then allow for the Matadi to Kinshasa leg, several days depending on road conditions and the mode chosen.
Customs clearance and delivery
On arrival at Matadi or Boma, your clearing agent files the declaration with the DGDA and assists with the OCC inspection. After payment of duties and fees, the container is released and then transported to Kinshasa by road or rail. This inland leg accounts for a large part of the total lead time and logistics cost. We recommend choosing a clearing agent experienced on the Matadi to Kinshasa corridor, able to track the container all the way to your warehouse.
Tariff zone and duties
The DRC is a member of SADC, as well as ECCAS and COMESA. For products from Europe, these regional agreements have little direct effect: the Congolese customs tariff applies, with various taxes and fees. Amounts due are to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs (DGDA).
Currency and payment methods
The official currency is the Congolese franc (CDF), but the US dollar is widely used in trade. Our invoices are generally in euros; payment is made by bank transfer or by letter of credit opened by a Congolese bank. Check the transfer route with your bank before confirming.
Points to watch
Labelling
French wording and legible dates; the OCC may check conformity.
Dates
The cumulative lead time to Kinshasa calls for long shelf-life products.
Cold chain
Reefer container and generator set for the land leg if needed.
Additional costs
Budget for port fees and inspections, to be validated with your clearing agent.
Frequently asked questions
Matadi or Boma?
Matadi is the port most used for Kinshasa; Boma may suit depending on the final destination.
Can I be invoiced in dollars?
It is possible depending on the commercial agreement; specify it before the proforma.
What is the role of the OCC?
The Office congolais de contrôle checks, among other things, the quality and conformity of goods.
Which import duties must be paid?
They depend on the products: to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs.
Do you deliver to Lubumbashi?
The south-east is often served via Southern Africa; talk to us before ordering.
Prepare your container for Matadi or Boma: send your list, we confirm feasibility and the proforma.