DR Congo
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • FERI Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee 10-digit NIF mandatory on Ocean B/L and manifest.
- • Ocean freight must be stated as Freight Prepaid.
The B/L must state "Freight Prepaid". Full freight amounts must be substantiated with a carrier-issued Freight Invoice to obtain the mandatory OGEFREM FERI certificate. For transit cargo to Eastern/Southern DRC (via Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Walvis Bay, or Durban), the transit clause ("In transit to [DRC Destination] via Port of [Gateway Port]") must appear in the goods description.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • FERI certificate must be validated via OGEFREM prior to vessel departure.
- • Mandatory origin physical inspection executed by Bureau Veritas (BIVAC) for all commercial shipments with FOB >= USD 2,500.
- • Electronic Import License (Modèle EB) validated via commercial bank and DGDA single window before shipment.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 10 years from manufacture
- • Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): maximum 20 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • French product labeling mandatory on all consumer commodities.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate mandatory for all imported meat and poultry products.
- • Passenger vehicles (under 10 seats) cannot exceed 10 years; heavy trucks and commercial buses permitted up to 20 years.
- • ISPM 15 compliance strictly checked on wooden packaging at Matadi and Boma ports.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be a registered Congolese legal entity with an active NIF tied to an approved Modèle EB import license. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer with complete physical address in DRC, local phone number, email, and NIF printed on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Cargo arriving without a validated OGEFREM FERI faces heavy carrier fines and clearance suspension. Missing pre-shipment BIVAC AV certificate triggers a mandatory 10% to 20% CIF destination penalty plus compulsory physical destuffing inspection at Matadi.
Compliance Timeline for DR Congo
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via OCC / Bureau Veritas (BIVAC) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (10 yrs passenger / 20 yrs commercial).
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Inscribe validated FERI certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (OGEFREM (Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal))
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Submit validated FERI electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for DR Congo (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.