Several agencies to satisfy
DGDA, OCC, OGEFREM and ARPTC each check part of the file.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is one of Africa's largest markets. And its mines require a dedicated flow of IT machinery. Importing to DR Congo needs a pre-import declaration, sea cargo needs a tracking note, and wireless gear needs approval before your goods land. One missed step can lead to rejection. We act as your importer of record in DR Congo and manage the filings for you.
KinshasaGulfEuropeAsiaTrade lanes from DR Congo to Gulf, Europe and Asia
Every sea shipment to DR Congo needs its FERI before it reaches Congolese waters.
The FERI, or Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l'Importation, is the electronic cargo note issued by OGEFREM, the state freight office.
It must be approved up to five days before the vessel enters DR Congo waters. Each shipment needs its own FERI, and the number should appear on the bill of lading.
Exporter Managed FERI, With TradeWise as IOR
First, you share your pro forma invoice and product details. Then, you mention TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into the country. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in DR Congo.
Ask about FERI setupDR Congo spotlight
Every DR Congo shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
Our bank registers it with your pro forma invoice.
By an OGEFREM agent, after the vessel departs.
The same number appears on every shipping document.
OCC checks are completed, then the goods are released.
What Congolese Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
The DGDA, the General Directorate of Customs and Excise, clears all imports.
Pre-clearance runs through SEGUCE, the national single window. Duty depends on the HS code of each item, and VAT of 16% is charged on top. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to DR Congo? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
Africa region
Many African markets check documents carefully long before the cargo arrives. Port delays occur when compliance documents slip away. That is where TradeWise steps in. TradeWise guarantees that necessary certificates of conformity and export records are conducted by our specialists before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend convolution saving you time.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
DGDA, OCC, OGEFREM and ARPTC each check part of the file.
The east of the country is far from Matadi. Many shipments travel through Dar es Salaam or Mombasa, then by road.
A late or wrong FERI brings a freight penalty. Changes after approval also cost extra.
If you write a price on your paperwork that is lower than what your goods are actually worth, customs will notice.
Invoices in other languages slow down checks.
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Three services remove the most common causes of delay in DR Congo.
TradeWise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services in DR Congo help you import IT equipment to DR Congo without penalties or delay.
IORWe work with the OGEFREM agent and the OCC, so every certificate is ready on time.
FERI and OCCOur team values your goods from the beginning and our team works to avoid costly revaluations of your goods.
ValuationThese are the DR Congo import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in DR Congo? If you have no local entity, yes. TradeWise can take that role.
Most Important for Tech Imports
ARPTC, the telecom regulator, approves products with wireless, radio or telecom functions before import or sale. This covers phones, routers, Wi-Fi access points and IoT devices. Applications usually need a local representative, test reports and a declaration of conformity. Plan for about six to eight weeks.
TradeWise compiles and submits the full ARPTC file for you to speed up approval and DR Congo import customs clearance.
This government sector handles imports and exports. It collects duty and VAT. The checks needs licenses.
The OCC checks the quality, quantity and value of imports, and charges an inspection fee.
The state freight office issues the FERI for sea cargo.
Democratic Republic of the Congo has a lot of copper and cobalt and mining is the part of its trade. Matadi is the seaport.
Its main trading partners include China, Zambia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Many agencies, long routes and strict filing deadlines are real hurdles. With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.
Public holidays can delay shipping deadlines, and road transit can add days around them.
30 June
The main national holiday.
Late December
Offices and banks slow down.
Seasonal
Heavy rain can slow road transport in many regions.
Every Week
The weekend in DR Congo. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that we will send you a quote with every cost listed.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
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