🧮 Scope and Product Coverage

All goods imported into the DRC are subject to pre‑export verification, except items explicitly exempted.

✅ Covered:

• All commercial goods with a minimum value of USD 2,500 FOB.
• Both new and used products (if properly declared as second‑hand).

🚫 Exempted:

• Low‑value imports (< USD 2,500 FOB)
• Personal effects, humanitarian donations, live animals, perishable fresh food, and diplomatic consignments

🧱 Restricted, Temporary‑Ban, and Prohibited Goods

Certain categories require prior authorization or are under temporary import suspensions by ministerial decree:

• ⚠️ Temporarily Banned: Lime (South‑East DRC, until July 2025), cement & clinkers, beers, and carbonated drinks.
• 🚫 Prohibited: Counterfeit products, non‑iodized salt, hazardous chemicals, expired goods, hydroquinone‑based cosmetics, alcohol above 45%, specific pesticides listed under the Rotterdam Convention, and poultry imports from restricted countries.
• 🧾 Restricted (require authorization): Pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, hydrocarbons, weapons, frozen goods, and tobacco products.

Violating these restrictions may lead to confiscation, destruction, or re‑export at the importer’s expense.

📜 Conformity Requirements and Labelling Rules

Goods must comply with Congolese standards or, if unavailable, recognized international standards (ISO, IEC, or Codex Alimentarius).

Labeling essentials include:

• Product name, manufacturer/distributor details, and country of origin
• Ingredient lists and expiry dates for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
• Quantity, storage instructions, and usage directions
• French or English labeling as mandatory languages

Additional special conditions exist for foodstuffs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and vehicles (such as proof of roadworthiness and ownership for used vehicles).

🔄 Step‑by‑Step Process of Verification

1- Import Declaration (DIB)

Importers initiate a DIB – Déclaration d’Importation des Biens at a commercial bank through the GUICE (Single Window Platform).

2- File Assignment

The OCC transfers the file to the authorized inspection entity, which creates a unique verification code and assigns the request based on the exporter’s location.

3- Preliminary Notification (PN)

Since June 2025, a new PN stage has been introduced.
After reviewing the exporter’s conformity documentation and any required testing, the authorized body issues either:

• Preliminary Notification (PN): Green light for shipment
• Non‑Conformity Statement (NCS): When the product fails compliance checks

Goods receiving an NCS must not be shipped.

4- Shipment and Final Evaluation

Once goods pass the PN stage and are shipped, exporters submit final documents—invoice, bill of lading, and packing list—for final review.

5- Certificate Issuance

Based on results:

• ✅ Attestation de Vérification (AV): Confirms product conformity
• ❌ Avis de Refus d’Attestation (ARA): Denotes non‑compliance (shipment not allowed)

AVs and ARAs are recorded on the GUICE portal, ensuring transparent customs clearance.

🧪 Inspection and Testing

• Physical inspection at the export site verifies quantity, quality, packaging, and labeling.
• Testing is performed in ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited laboratories if existing reports are insufficient.
• An Inspection Report is valid for 120 days.

Where conformity documents are missing or not acceptable, additional control testing may apply.

💰 Fees and Responsibilities

Importers settle program fees through their banks when registering the DIB.

However, exporters may bear costs for re‑inspections, retesting, or corrective actions after non‑conformities.

All expenses for sample handling, unpacking, and logistic preparations for inspection remain the exporter’s responsibility.

🛡️ Benefits of the DRC VoC Program

• ✅ Strengthened consumer protection and safety
• ✅ Faster customs clearance via electronic integration with GUICE
• ✅ Improved market transparency and fair competition
• ✅ Reduced risk of counterfeit or substandard goods
• ✅ Support for national industries and trade credibility

📍 Presence of Authorized Inspection Offices

Inspection operations are supported by liaison offices across the country’s main trade hubs:

• Kinshasa – Central coordination and liaison office
• Lubumbashi – Serving southern industrial provinces
• Bukavu – Covering eastern DRC
• Goma – Supporting regional trade border points

🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help

ComplyMarket provides exporters and importers with expert assistance to navigate the DRC’s Verification of Conformity process.

From preparing conformity documentation and managing DIB submissions to monitoring certificate statuses through GUICE, our team ensures seamless compliance and timely approvals.

With ComplyMarket’s guidance, businesses can confidently trade with the DRC while adhering to evolving regulations and maintaining smooth logistics.