🎯 Objectives of the PCEC Programme

The Republic of Congo’s Conformity Assessment Programme aims to:

• 🛡️ Protect consumers from unsafe, counterfeit or substandard products
• 🌍 Safeguard the environment through compliance with regulations
• 🏭 Support fair competition and protect domestic industries
• ⚙️ Streamline customs clearance via verified certificates of conformity
• 📈 Facilitate efficient trade by recognizing existing proof of compliance

🧾 Regulatory Framework

• Authority: Congolese Agency for Standardization and Quality (ACONOQ)
• Legal Reference: Finance Law 51‑2021 and notices issued by Congolese Ministries of Commerce, Finance, and Industry
• Implementation Start: May 2022, with mandatory enforcement from July 1, 2022, and full application reaffirmed in 2024
• Mandated Inspection Entities: Authorized conformity assessment bodies

The regulation applies to all goods exported to Congo, except explicitly exempted items such as precious metals, works of art, live animals, personal effects and low‑value shipments (below 1,000,000 XOF ≈ €1,525).

📦 Products Covered

All consumer and industrial products are subject to verification unless exempted.

The list of prohibited imports includes:

• 🔪 Machetes and 🚲 motorcycles (import temporarily suspended by ministerial circular)
• ☣️ Hazardous chemicals and certain pesticides listed under the Rotterdam Convention
• 🧴 Cosmetic and food additives banned under Congolese health standards

Other items requiring strict conformity include electrical goods, household appliances, construction materials, cosmetics and food products.

⚙️ The PCEC Certification Process

Step 1: Request for Certificate

Exporters (or importers) submit a Request for Certificate (RFC) either online via the authorized inspection platform or through local offices.

Required documents include:

• Commercial or proforma invoice
• Conformity evidence (test reports, quality certificates, analysis reports)
• Manufacturer’s ISO certification (if available)
• HS code and shipment details

Step 2: Routes to Compliance

To accommodate different trade scenarios, three compliance routes are available:

• Route A – For any product and any trader
• Route B – For registered goods or exporters (Statement of Registration – SoR)
• Route C – For licensed products with consistent compliance records (Statement of Licensing – SoL)

These routes reduce processing time for regular exporters and facilitate quicker certification based on trust and performance.

Step 3: Documentary Review and Testing

Inspectors review documents for compliance with Congolese or international standards.
If test reports are missing or inadequate, samples may be tested in ISO 17025‑accredited laboratories.

Step 4: Physical Inspection

During export, inspectors check that products match declaration details and are properly labelled.

Markings must be in French (or English for industrial goods).

Step 5: Certificate of Conformity

Once compliance is confirmed, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued.

Shipments that fail verification receive a Non‑Conformity Report (NCR) and are not cleared for export.

💰 Fees and Responsibilities

Exporters are responsible for fees, which vary by route and shipment value.

Charges cover documentation, inspection and issuance of certificates, while testing and additional audits are billed separately.

Fee structure (estimates):

• Route A – 0.53% of FOB value
• Route B – 0.45% of FOB value
• Route C – 0.27% of FOB value

Minimum: €220–€300  |  Maximum: €7,000

🧰 Technical and Labeling Requirements

Goods must meet:

• Congolese technical regulations and standards
• Regional and international norms (ISO, IEC, Codex Alimentarius)
• Manufacturer specifications if no applicable standard exists

Electrical products must conform to:

• Type E (French‑style) plugs and sockets
• Voltage 220–230 V, 50 Hz rating

Consumer product labels and instructions must appear at least in French.

📅 Latest Updates

• July 1, 2022: PCEC launched under Finance Law 51‑2021
• July 4, 2023: Programme reactivated with updated routes
• February 1, 2024: CoC mandatory for customs clearance (Bill of Lading date)
• March 21, 2024: Official inter‑ministerial order confirmed implementation
• October 2025: Revised datasheet v 1.8 published, confirming scope, fees and banned goods
• Ongoing: Suspension of machetes and motorcycles imports

🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help

Navigating the Republic of Congo’s conformity standards can be challenging.

ComplyMarket offers tailored support to exporters and importers by:

• 🧾 Guiding document preparation and RFC submissions
• 🔍 Reviewing test reports and conformity proofs
• ⏱️ Tracking inspection timelines and certificate issuance
• 🌐 Liaising with authorized inspection bodies for smooth certification

With ComplyMarket’s expert assistance, your business can minimize compliance risks, avoid clearance delays and maintain seamless trade with Congo‑Brazzaville.