Country Guide: Democratic Republic of Congo

Updated: December 02, 2015

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) (2 copies)
  • Packing list
  • Detailed valued inventory in French, signed and dated by the shipper
  • Work Permit issued by Ministry of Labor
  • Certificate of First Settlement issued by Immigration Department
  • Work Visa
  • Fiche Electronique de Renseignements al I’Importation (FERI)
  • Exemption Certificate, if applicable (Diplomats)

 

Specific Information

  • Diplomatic shipments can be imported duty free provided that the Diplomatic Mission has received the Exemption Certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • To apply for the exemption, original documents are needed including original AWB for air shipments to the destination agent at least 14 days prior to shipment arrival.
  • All original documents must be received by agent at least 14 days prior to arrival of the shipment.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original Registration Card
  • Copy of Purchase Invoice
  • Non-sale Certificate
  • Original Certificate of Title / Registration
  • OBL
  • Original Invoice

 

Specific Information

  • The taxes on motor vehicles depend on the age, weight, power etc. and range from 8% to 46% cost, insurance and freight (CIF).
  • The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand and model.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Certificate of Vaccination
  • Veterinary Health Certificate
  • Import Permit

 

Specific Information

  • The Veterinary Health Certificate must state the animals are free from ticks and have not been exposed to contagious diseases and must be issued with 15 days of import.
  • An additional rabies certificate must prove vaccination against rabies more than 30 days but less than 1 year prior to arrival if an inactivated or Kelev vaccine was been used or 36 months prior to departure if an avianized (Flury) was used; if an avianized vaccine was used, the certificate must be issued within 15 days prior to departure.
  • Pets are subject to inspection upon arrival.
  • Pets may enter as accompanied baggage or in cargo.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (100), cigars (50), tobacco (1/2 lb.)
    • Alcoholic beverages (1 bottle)
    • Perfume (a reasonable amount for personal use)
    • Cameras (may be temporarily imported by tourists)
    • Radios, tape recorders, record players (subject to duties)
    • Satellite and radio communications equipment (authorization is required)
    • Arms and ammunition (an Import License is required)

Prohibited Items

  • Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
  • Drugs
  • Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and is duty free (20 bottles)

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1104.html

Homepage