Plan the next buying step
Use this earlier article as background. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority or agent for the exact product, importer and route. The country EV import-guide directory is a starting point for passenger-EV enquiries; parts, machinery and other vehicle categories require their own assessment.
Keep the shipment scope explicit with the customs clearance and vehicle approval checklist. Have the destination assess the actual vehicle specification and approval route separately from customs release before scheduling road use.
Request a destination-specific sourcing and shipping quotation with the product identity, quantity and delivery scope.
DR Congo is one of the new destinations for used cars shipped from China, as demand for cheap vehicles surges across all of Africa, particularly in cities such as Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Matadi. Yet, the process of importing pre-owned cars in the DRC involves compliance with customs laws, shipping procedures and documentation.
This manual looks at the process from preparing and exporting the vehicle in China to clearing customs in the DRC and delivering the car to you.
1. Pre-Export Preparation in China
a. Vehicle Condition and Inspection
Prior to shipment, vehicles must undergo technical inspection to ensure:
Roadworthiness and mechanical reliability
No structural damage to chassis or engine
Compliance with DRC’s minimum safety and emissions standards
Third-party inspection agencies should provide a formal Vehicle Condition Report, which may be required for customs clearance in the DRC.
b. Required Documentation
The following export documents must be prepared before shipment:
Vehicle Registration Certificate
Proof of Ownership / Sales Invoice
Export License (issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce)
Certificate of Conformity (if available)
Bill of Sale (must specify VIN, engine capacity, price, buyer/seller details)
For used electric vehicles, additional documents are required:
UN38.3 Battery Test Certificate
MSDS for battery systems
Dangerous Goods Shipping Declaration (for sea transport)
c. Partnering with a Freight Forwarder
Select a licensed international freight forwarder experienced in Africa-bound exports to:
Book sea freight space (typically via Ro-Ro or container shipping)
Arrange inland trucking to port of exit (e.g., Shanghai, Ningbo)
Handle marine insurance under CIF or CIP terms
2. Export Process in China
a. Booking and Logistics
Confirm shipment schedule and destination port (e.g., Port of Matadi or Boma)
Choose transport method: Ro-Ro is cost-effective for vehicles; containers are more secure for high-value units or mixed loads
b. Vehicle Packing and Securing
Vehicles must be secured inside containers or on Ro-Ro decks to prevent damage during long-haul shipping
Label all units with VIN, destination, and consignee information
c. Customs Declaration
Prepare and submit the Export Declaration Form (出口报关单)
Provide complete documents: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, export license, and inspection report
Pay any applicable export duties or fees
Await customs inspection and release for loading
Once cleared, a Bill of Lading is issued, confirming the vehicle has been loaded for export
3. Import Clearance in the DRC
a. Customs Documentation Requirements
To clear customs at the Port of Matadi or Boma, importers must submit:
Original Bill of Lading (endorsed)
Commercial Invoice (must reflect fair market value)
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Vehicle Inspection Report
Import Declaration Form (Fiche Importation)
Proof of Insurance
Some provinces may also require a translated technical specification sheet or homologation document.
b. Payment of Taxes and Duties
Tax calculation is based on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) of the vehicle. Common duties include:
Import Duty: Varies based on engine capacity, age, and vehicle type (typically 20%–30%)
VAT: Standard rate of 16%
Statistical Tax: Around 2% on CIF value
Additional environmental or luxury taxes may apply for high-displacement or non-compliant vehicles.
c. Customs Inspection and Vehicle Release
Customs authorities may inspect vehicles to confirm:
VIN and engine numbers match documentation
Vehicle condition aligns with declared value
Absence of prohibited modifications (e.g., tinted windows, RHD conversion)
Upon successful inspection and tax clearance, customs will issue a release order, allowing the vehicle to be withdrawn from the terminal.
4. Post-Clearance and Vehicle Registration
a. Domestic Transportation
After customs release, vehicles are transported to final destinations via truck or rail, often to Kinshasa or other regional markets.
b. Local Registration
The importer or buyer must register the vehicle with the Congolese Office of Road Transport (OTR). Required documents include:
Clearance certificate from customs
Proof of ownership
Local insurance policy
Roadworthiness inspection (if applicable)
Once approved, a Congolese license plate is issued, making the vehicle eligible for use on public roads.
5. Risk Mitigation and Compliance Tips
a. CTN / BESC Requirement
The CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) or BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) is mandatory for all shipments to the DRC
Must be issued before loading in China and uploaded online
Failure to obtain CTN may result in cargo detention and penalties
b. Documentation Accuracy
Ensure consistency across all documents: VIN, model, engine capacity, and declared value must match
Use official translations for French-language documents where required
c. Partner Verification
Confirm that your DRC-based customs broker is licensed
Avoid working with agents lacking proper credentials, as this may delay clearance or result in financial loss
Conclusion
Bringing China to the DRC: Selling Chinese cars to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a well-established process, but one that requires accurate paperwork, professional logistics, and attention to both Chinese export laws and Congolese import regulations. The following is where the rubber meets the road in your deal:
Early preparation of vehicle documents and export licenses
Accurate CTN filing and customs declaration
Clear understanding of local clearance costs and registration requirements
With careful execution, importers can capitalize on growing demand for Chinese vehicles in the DRC while minimizing legal and financial risks.
