Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) - Overview

The DRC’s import regime is built around pre‑shipment compliance validation, significant documentation requirements, and formal customs procedures coordinated through a single electronic trade window. The system ensures accurate valuation, adherence to quality and quantity declarations, and standardized customs processing in line with international trade norms.

Importing goods into the Democratic Republic of the Congo involves formal procedures, documentation requirements, and pre‑customs inspections designed to ensure the legality, valuation, and compliance of products entering the country. These rules are enforced by the Office Congolais de Contrôle (OCC) and the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA), with a centralized electronic platform used for clearance processes.

All pre‑customs clearances—imports, exports, and transit—must be performed electronically via the DRC’s single trade window, GUICE (Guichet Unique Intégral pour le Commerce Extérieur). This platform serves as the central hub for submitting required documentation and tracking approvals.

Pre‑Shipment Inspection Requirement

A major element of the DRC’s import system is pre‑shipment inspection:

• Inspection Role: Government‑mandated inspection ensures that the quality, quantity, and declared value of goods match the exporter’s documentation and meet international standards.

• Certificate Issued: After inspection, a Certification of Validation is issued on behalf of the OCC. This document is mandatory for customs clearance and establishes the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value used for duty and tax calculations.

Exemptions: Certain goods are exempt from pre shipment inspection, including shipments with a FOB value under USD 2,500, live animals, fresh produce, personal property imported by returning residents, commercial samples, humanitarian donations, and diplomatic consignments.

How SANTIQ Can Assist

Importing into the Democratic Republic of the Congo requires compliance with pre-shipment inspection and documentation requirements enforced by the Office Congolais de Contrôle (OCC) and the DGDA. SANTIQ assists exporters by coordinating the entire certification process through our network of approved inspection companies and accredited testing laboratories.

We help clients prepare the required documentation, arrange pre-shipment inspections, and conduct any necessary product testing to ensure full compliance with DRC regulations. By leveraging our established network, SANTIQ streamlines the issuance of Certificates of Validation, minimizes delays, and ensures smooth customs clearance for goods entering the DRC market.