customer-service (2)
Call emergency +55 0123 654 33
Request A Quote
Request A Quote

Home » Democratic Republic of Congo

Imports and Exports in Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a rapidly evolving market, especially in sectors like telecommunications, data centers, IT hardware, and digital infrastructure. Despite infrastructure challenges and regulatory complexity, the DRC offers significant opportunities due to its large population, accelerating urbanization, and rising demand for technological investments.

For companies looking to ship high-value, mission-critical equipment such as networking gear, servers, or telecom devices, partnering with an experienced import compliance and logistics provider is essential. 

Get In Touch

Key Trade and Regulatory Challenges in Importing to the DRC

Importing into the DRC involves navigating several complexities:

  • Customs Duties & Taxes: Import duty rates in the DRC vary by product type.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT): A 16% VAT is assessed on CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value.
  • Pre-shipment Inspection: Imports with a value above US$2,500 often require a pre-shipment inspection performed by Bureau Veritas (BIVAC).
  • Documentation Requirements: Typical documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (or airway bill), import license, pro forma invoice, certificate of origin, and more. 
  • Trade Compliance Complexity: The Single Window for Foreign Trade (SEGUCE) is used for pre-clearance operations. 
  • Electronic Cargo Tracking: An electronic cargo-tracking note is often required, for example via FERI (Fiche Électronique des Renseignements à l’Importation). 
  • Currency & Payment Issues: Limited access to foreign exchange (USD, EUR) in the DRC can complicate payments and budgeting.

These factors make DRC imports challenging especially for high-value, technically sensitive goods without a local and experienced trade partner.

Population

113.1 M

Biggest Industry by export

Cobalt

Capital City

Kinshasa

Biggest industry by import

Machinery and Transport Equipment

How TLS Technologies Supports Your Imports into the DRC

TLS Technologies offers a tailored, end-to-end solution designed specifically for high-tech and regulated imports into the DRC. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Importer of Record (IOR) / Exporter of Record (EOR)
     TLS can act as your legal IOR in the DRC. That means you don’t have to set up a local entity: we take on the import compliance, regulatory responsibility, and customs liabilities.
  2. Pre-Compliance Advisory
    • We analyze your product classification (HS codes) to ensure you understand applicable duties.
    • We advise on licensing, import permits, and local regulations.
    • We help plan for VAT, taxes, and other cost implications.

  3. Customs Clearance & Trade Compliance

    • Our team prepares and submits all necessary documentation (in French, as required) to DRC customs (DGDA, OCC, etc.).
    • We manage inspections, including coordinating with BIVAC for pre-shipment verification.
    • We handle the FERI / ECTN requirement for maritime shipments to the DRC.

  4. Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Shipping Option
    With TLS, you can opt for DDP, meaning we manage all duties, taxes, and customs so your team receives the goods without hidden surprises or last-minute compliance risk.

  5. Final Mile Logistics
    • Even in difficult-to-reach locations, TLS ensures coordinated on-the-ground delivery.
    • We partner with reliable local agents to manage transport, warehousing, and site delivery — important for remote data centers or telecom sites.

  6. Technical and Field Services
    Beyond trade compliance, TLS brings technical expertise: we provide field engineering services for equipment deployment, maintenance, and commissioning of high-tech systems once your shipment arrives.

Sustainability & E-Waste Management
 For end-of-life IT or telecom equipment, TLS can manage secure recycling and data-sanitation, helping you remain compliant and socially responsible.

Top Trade Partners with Congo

Asia

China

North America

United States of America

South America

Brazil

Benefits of Choosing TLS for Your DRC Import Strategy

Risk Reduction: TLS acts as your legal IOR/EOR in the DRC, helping you avoid local legal, compliance, and financial risks.

Cost Transparency: You receive clear, upfront guidance on duties, VAT, inspections, licensing, and other import-related costs.

Speed & Efficiency: TLS’s customs and regulatory expertise ensures faster clearance, fewer delays, and smooth coordination with authorities.

Technical Support: Our field engineering team provides on-site installation, configuration, and support for high-value IT, telecom, and networking equipment.

Compliance: TLS manages all mandatory documentation, inspections, pre-shipment verifications, and FERI/ECTN requirements for full compliance.

Why Now Is an Excellent Time to Expand into the DRC

  • Growing Digital Infrastructure: The DRC is investing strongly in telecom, data centers, and digital connectivity — driving demand for networking hardware, servers, and telecom gear. 
  • Strategic Location: A presence in the DRC can serve as a hub for broader Central African expansion.
  • Untapped Potential: Despite its resource wealth, the DRC remains underpenetrated in high-tech infrastructure — a gap that can be filled by forward-thinking companies.
  • Regulatory Advances: The SEGUCE single window system is improving trade transparency, though compliance remains crucial.

How to Get Started with TLS Technologies for DRC Imports

  1. Contact TLS: Reach out with your shipment details — HS codes, product value, origin, and destination.
  2. Pre-Compliance Assessment: We’ll run a compliance check, classify your goods, and estimate duties, VAT, and fees.
  3. Quote & Plan: TLS provides a transparent quote, including IOR services, customs clearance, shipping, and final logistics.
  4. Deploy: Once onboarded, TLS handles documentation, certification (like FERI), customs, and delivery.
  5. Project Execution: Our field engineers can support setup, configuration, and maintenance of your deployed hardware.

Ready To Import Your Shipments to Democratic Republic of Congo?

Importing into the Democratic Republic of the Congo is complex but with the right partner, it’s a strategic opportunity. TLS Technologies offers not just freight or customs services, but a full compliance + technical logistics solution tailored for high-technology companies.

Whether you’re planning to ship servers, telecom infrastructure, or sensitive electronics, TLS provides the expertise and on-the-ground capability to make your DRC operations seamless, compliant, and scalable.

banner-2

Contact Details

Complete the form below, and our experts will connect with you to provide a customized import, export, and customs compliance solution designed specifically for your Chilean trade requirements.

  • Address:
  • Phone Number:
  • Email Address:

Feel Free to Contact Us

Further Reading on Imports and Exports to Chile