Used Car Import Guide for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2026)

For importing used cars from China to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2026, most used vehicles must not exceed 15 years from first registration. Each imported used car must be accompanied by a technical inspection certificate from the country of origin, the original or certified copy of the vehicle registration certificate, and legally authenticated transfer documents. All sea freight to the DRC generally requires a FERI electronic cargo tracking note. Since October 1, 2025, applying for a FERI generally requires providing the OGEFREM shipper subscription card number. Whether OCC/BV pre-shipment inspection is exempted must be confirmed in writing on a per-shipment basis according to vehicle category, FOB value, first registration status, and current system requirements. Tariffs are differentiated by TEC subheading and power type. The baseline tariff for fuel and hybrid passenger vehicles is 20%. For pure electric passenger vehicles, the industry practice is 0% tariff and VAT, but the consumption tax exemption must be confirmed in writing with DGDA on a per-shipment basis.

Key points of DRC Decree No. 26/01 of 2026:

• Personal passenger vehicles, buses, commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, ambulances, hearses, tanker trucks, etc., must not exceed 15 years from the date of first registration;

• Tractors for agricultural, forestry, and mining use must not exceed 20 years from the date of first registration;

• Collector vehicles that are over 30 years old, have been discontinued, have not undergone major changes in technical characteristics, and are retained primarily for historical, heritage, or aesthetic preservation purposes and not mainly for daily transportation are not subject to the standard age limits of this decree;

• Each imported used car must be issued a technical condition or technical inspection certificate by a technical inspection center in the country of origin;

• The importer must provide the original or certified copy of the vehicle registration certificate, driving permit, or gray card;

• The importer must provide legally authenticated transfer documents or a transfer deed;

• If there are doubts about the vehicle's age or technical condition, the competent authority may designate an approved automotive expert for appraisal, with costs generally borne by the importer;

• Vehicles that do not meet admission requirements may be required to be re-exported or destroyed, with related costs potentially borne by the carrier or freight forwarder;

• The old Decree No. 12/041 and Decree No. 17/008 have been repealed;

• The new decree takes effect from the date of signing, with a 6-month transition period after publication in the Official Gazette.

Content updated: September 24, 2026.

This article is only a compilation of import policy and operational information and does not constitute legal, tax, or customs clearance advice. The HS classification, customs valuation, taxes and fees, FERI documentation, OCC/BV PSI requirements, and registration format for specific vehicles shall be subject to the competent authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, approved conformity assessment bodies, licensed customs brokers, and the latest official tax bills. The validity of all external links is as of the date of access, and this guide does not guarantee that links will remain accessible.

I. DRC Import Quick Reference

II. Vehicle Age Limits and Vehicle Admission

1. 2026 New Decree: 15-Year Age Limit

On January 24, 2026, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka signed Decree No. 26/01, implementing a new regulatory framework for imported used vehicles. This decree repeals Decree No. 12/041 of 2012 and Decree No. 17/008 of 2017, tightening age limits again.

The age limits stipulated in the new decree are as follows:

• 15 years: Personal passenger vehicles, buses, commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, ambulances, hearses, tanker trucks;

• 20 years: Tractors for agricultural, forestry, and mining use;

• Standard age limits do not apply: Collector vehicles that are over 30 years old, have been discontinued, have not undergone major changes in technical characteristics, and are retained primarily for historical, heritage, or aesthetic preservation purposes and not mainly for daily transportation.

This is a tightening of the 2017 rules. Decree No. 17/008 of 2017 had raised the age limit from 10 years to 20 years, while the new decree lowers the limit for most vehicles back to 15 years.

Vehicle age is calculated from the first registration date on the original registration certificate, not the year of manufacture.

For example, a vehicle manufactured in 2012 but first registered on May 10, 2013, as a passenger car would reach the 15-year limit on May 10, 2028. Considering that the sea freight cycle from China to Matadi is typically 30—45 days, plus port waiting and customs clearance time, it is not recommended to purchase vehicles near the critical date.

2. Definition of Used Vehicles and PSI Exemption Conditions

In industry and practice, used vehicles are usually referenced by a certain period after first registration. However, it should be specially noted:

The practice that "used vehicles with first registration over 6 months are generally automatically exempt from OCC/BV PSI" has some basis in certain industry materials and older verification materials, but in the currently independently available Bureau Veritas public DRC data sheet version, no complete, current provisions directly supporting "all used motor vehicles over 6 months are uniformly exempt" have been seen.

Therefore, "first registration over 6 months" should not be directly regarded as a sufficient condition for automatic PSI exemption for all used vehicles. Whether exemption applies should be confirmed in writing by the DRC importer before shipment through OCC, Bureau Veritas, GUICE, or a licensed customs broker, according to vehicle category, FOB value, first registration status, import purpose, and current system requirements.

Even if PSI is not required, vehicles must still meet the age, technical certificate, ownership document, and port inspection requirements of Decree No. 26/01.

3. Mandatory Technical Conditions

The new decree requires all imported used vehicles to meet the following conditions:

• A vehicle technical condition or technical inspection certificate issued by a technical inspection center in the country of origin;

• Provide the original or certified copy of the vehicle registration certificate, driving permit, or gray card;

• Provide legally authenticated transfer documents or a transfer deed;

• If there are doubts about the vehicle's age or technical condition, the competent authority may designate an approved automotive expert for appraisal, with costs generally borne by the importer.

Vehicles that do not meet the conditions may be required to be re-exported or destroyed at the expense of the carrier/freight forwarder.

4. Transition Period

The new decree takes effect from the date of signing and provides a 6-month transition period after publication in the Official Gazette, allowing importers and industry operators to adjust compliance.

III. Steering Wheel Configuration and High-Risk Vehicles

1. Left-Hand Drive as an Export Practical Threshold

The road traffic environment in the DRC is mainly right-hand driving with left-hand drive vehicles. Exporters should prepare quotations, procurement, and shipments only for left-hand drive vehicles; right-hand drive vehicles pose risks in admission, registration, road use, and resale, and should not be arranged for export without written confirmation from local competent authorities, licensed customs brokers, and buyers.

2. High-Risk Vehicles

The following vehicles should be considered high-risk and should not be arranged for export:

• Vehicles with major accident damage;

• Flood-damaged vehicles;

• Fire-damaged vehicles;

• Scrapped vehicles;

• Vehicles with severe structural repair;

• Illegally modified vehicles;

• Vehicles unable to prove legal ownership;

• Vehicles unable to obtain technical conformity certificates from the country of origin.

Such vehicles may fail to meet technical inspection, vehicle safety, customs inspection, or registration requirements, and may lead to cargo detention, return shipment, destruction, port demurrage, and disputes. Whether specific models are explicitly prohibited from import shall be subject to the implementing rules of Decree No. 26/01, written opinions from OCC, DGDA, transport authorities, or the import port.

3. Recommended Pre-Shipment Checks

Before procurement, at least check:

• Braking system;

• Steering system;

• Lights;

• Tires;

• Frame and chassis;

• VIN and frame number;

• Accident repair records;

• Flood or fire damage traces;

• Odometer mileage;

• Emissions and engine condition.

IV. Tax Verification and Cost Calculation

1. Composition of Import Taxes and Fees for Used Vehicles

For used vehicle imports to Matadi Port in the DRC, the core taxes and fees payable are calculated in the following sequential chain:

2. Customs duties by powertrain and HS code

The following customs duties (DD) apply to used passenger-vehicle subheadings within the TEC (Common External Tariff) framework:

Explanation: These are the baseline TEC customs rates (20% for the listed passenger vehicles). Under Annex XVIII of the 2026 Finance Law, excise is added at 10%, 15% or 20% according to vehicle use, and 16% VAT is calculated on CIF + duty + excise. Although a battery electric passenger car falls under HS 8703.80.20.00, industry practice reports declarations at 0% customs duty and 0% VAT. Whether excise is also exempt must be confirmed in writing with DGDA for each shipment.

3. Taxes by powertrain at a glance

4. Battery electric passenger vehicles: industry support for 0% duty and VAT, but official confirmation needed

Several industry sources consistently state that 100% electric passenger vehicles currently receive 0% customs duty and 0% VAT. An August 2026 DRC import guide expressly says, “if your car is a 100% electric vehicle, DR Congo currently applies 0% customs duty and 0% VAT on import,” and adds that “For qualifying 100% electric vehicles, customs duty, VAT, and internal taxes are 0%.” Another industry analysis likewise says that only fully electric vehicles can receive a complete tax exemption, while combustion and hybrid vehicles face the full tax burden.

The key limitation: Although this treatment appears widely in industry practice and import guides, the research for this article did not directly locate a complete provision in publicly searchable official DRC finance laws, DGDA tariffs or budget ministry documents exempting HS 8703.80 battery electric passenger cars from customs duty, VAT and excise.

Excise: The EV24.africa article refers to “internal taxes” being 0%, which may imply that excise is also zero, but it does not say so clearly. Without a directly supporting official tariff provision, do not promise in quotations or contracts that excise will necessarily be zero.

Practical step: You may budget battery electric vehicles using 0% customs duty and 0% VAT, but obtain written DGDA confirmation of any excise exemption for each shipment. Before payment, ask the customs broker to obtain a DGDA tariff classification opinion and a formal tax estimate for the specific VIN.

5. Hybrid passenger vehicles (HEV and PHEV): budget under the combustion framework

Non-plug-in hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have no identified difference in tax treatment in DR Congo. Budget both under the same framework as combustion vehicles.

An industry analysis says combustion and hybrid vehicles face the full tax burden, with exemptions available only for battery electric vehicles. At HS-code level, the subheadings for both hybrid types end in .20.00 (used vehicles) and share the 20% baseline TEC customs rate with combustion passenger cars.

6. Core tax calculation for a combustion vehicle (illustrative only)

Assume a CIF value of 5,000,000 CDF, customs duty of 20% and excise of 10%:

Actual landed cost should also include the IT charge, OCC inspection fee, FPI levy, OGEFREM commission, FERI fee, port handling, storage, customs brokerage, technical inspection, inland transport, vehicle registration and insurance, among other costs.

7. Customs valuation and underdeclaration risk

The following may trigger further scrutiny or a reassessment of value:

• An invoice price significantly below market value;

• Differences between the invoice and payment records;

• A VIN, specification, condition and price that do not match;

• Incomplete freight or insurance records;

• Multiple amounts appearing in transaction documents.

Prepare an authentic commercial invoice, proof of payment, purchase contract, freight and insurance documents, vehicle photographs and specifications, third-party valuations or market references, and a VIN-linked condition record.

V. FERI, OCC/BV PSI and Compliance

1. FERI electronic cargo tracking note

FERI is administered by the Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal (OGEFREM) and is a mandatory requirement for all sea freight to DR Congo. Each bill of lading must have a corresponding FERI loading certificate, or the cargo may not clear customs.

Since October 1, 2025, importers in DR Congo generally must provide a current-year OGEFREM shipper subscription card number when applying for FERI. The importer and FERI agent should confirm who applies for the card, how its number is used, the application channel and who renews it before shipment.

A FERI application generally involves:

• Confirming product description, weight, package count, packing method and HS code;

• Identifying the port of loading, destination port, vessel and voyage;

• Submitting the commercial invoice, packing list and draft bill of lading;

• Completing validation and obtaining a FERI number;

• Matching FERI, bill of lading, manifest, invoice, vehicle VIN and consignee details.

FERI should be validated before arrival and clearance according to OGEFREM or its authorized agent's requirements. Follow the instructions for the particular shipment from the carrier, FERI agent and importer regarding the issuance deadline, whether the number must appear on the bill of lading, and any late issuance or amendment.

Typical application documents include export declaration materials, commercial invoice, bill of lading, freight invoice, insurance details, registration certificate, VIN and vehicle description.

2. OCC/BV pre-shipment inspection: confirm shipment by shipment

DR Congo has a pre-shipment inspection program for certain imported goods. Goods with an FOB value of US$2,500 or more may generally be subject to OCC/BV pre-shipment inspection.

Previously registered used motor vehicles may, in practice, qualify for an OCC/Bureau Veritas PSI exemption after a certain period of use. Before shipment, however, the DR Congo importer should obtain written confirmation from OCC, Bureau Veritas, GUICE or a licensed customs broker, based on vehicle category, FOB value, first-registration status, import purpose and current system requirements.

Do not treat “first registered more than six months ago” as automatically sufficient to exempt every used vehicle. Even if PSI is unnecessary, the age, technical certificate, ownership documents and arrival inspection requirements of Decree No. 26/01 still apply.

3. Comparison with the Republic of the Congo

VI. Customs Clearance at Matadi

1. Main systems and agencies

Matadi is one of DR Congo's principal maritime import gateways. After arrival, a vehicle typically passes through carrier and terminal handover, FERI and manifest checks, DGDA declaration and valuation, OCC inspection or compliance checks, tax payment, collection, then technical inspection and registration.

2. Recommended sequence

Step 1: Confirm vehicle eligibility

Check the VIN against:

• First-registration date;

• Vehicle use;

• The 15- or 20-year limit, or collector-vehicle exception;

• Left-hand-drive configuration;

• Technical condition;

• Original registration documents.

Step 2: Confirm PSI requirements and prepare the technical condition certificate

Before shipment, obtain written confirmation from OCC, Bureau Veritas, GUICE or a licensed customs broker as to whether an ordinary used vehicle is exempt from OCC/BV PSI. Also obtain a technical condition certificate from a technical inspection center in the country of origin.

Step 3: Apply for FERI

Before shipment, submit documents to OGEFREM or its agent, complete FERI validation, and make sure the FERI, bill of lading, manifest, invoice, VIN and consignee details match.

Step 4: Check shipping documents

The Chinese supplier and DR Congo buyer should jointly check:

• VIN;

• Vehicle quantity;

• Vehicle description;

• Transaction price;

• Freight;

• Insurance;

• Consignee;

• Port of loading;

• Destination port;

• Original registration certificate;

• FERI details.

Step 5: Complete shipping and reconcile the manifest

Ensure that the bill of lading, FERI, PSI documents if applicable, and arrival manifest agree. Correct any VIN, quantity, consignee or freight changes before arrival.

Step 6: Declare, value and pay taxes

The customs broker uses SYDONIA for:

• HS classification;

• Customs valuation;

• Import declaration;

• Tax calculation;

• Tax payment;

• Release procedures.

Step 7: Collect the vehicle and complete technical inspection

After customs release, the vehicle still needs a local technical inspection.

Step 8: Register the vehicle

Submit registration documents, the technical inspection certificate and customs import declaration documents to the relevant authorities for formal registration.

3. Clearance time

Actual release time depends on document consistency, FERI status, VIN checks, customs valuation, inspection scheduling, availability of funds for taxes, port congestion, broker performance and amendments. Exporters should not promise a fixed number of days in commercial commitments.

VII. Documents for Clearance and Registration

1. Pre-shipment documents

2. Arrival and customs documents

3. Post-clearance registration documents

Vehicle registration generally requires:

• Registration application;

• Valid identity documents;

• Original foreign registration certificate;

• Business registration documents;

• Proof of the customs import declaration;

• Technical inspection certificate;

• Local insurance documentation;

• Any other document required by the competent authority.

VIII. Checklist Before Contract Signing and Payment

1. The contract, invoice and bill of lading explicitly say Democratic Republic of the Congo / Matadi, not simply Congo.

2. Confirm the vehicle falls in a 15-year or 20-year age category, or qualifies for the collector-vehicle exception.

3. Obtain the original registration certificate and verify that the first-registration date is legible.

4. Allow a buffer before the 15- or 20-year cutoff for shipping, port delays and clearance.

5. Match the VIN and chassis number across the registration certificate, invoice, bill of lading and photos.

6. Confirm left-hand drive; do not ship a right-hand-drive vehicle without the required written confirmation.

7. Exclude vehicles with serious accident, flood or fire damage, scrapped vehicles, major structural repairs or unlawful modifications, and vehicles lacking proof of lawful ownership or a technical fitness certificate from the country of origin.

8. Have a local customs broker check the HS code and estimated customs value in advance.

9. Confirm the customs, excise and VAT treatment by powertrain: budget combustion and hybrid vehicles using the 20% customs framework; budget battery electric vehicles using industry practice but verify any excise exemption for each shipment.

10. Do not promise “zero tax on electric vehicles” or “complete EV tax exemption” in a quotation, pro forma invoice, contract or marketing page.

11. Confirm the FERI application process and OGEFREM shipper subscription card requirements.

12. Obtain written confirmation from OCC, Bureau Veritas, GUICE or a licensed broker about OCC/BV PSI applicability.

13. Agree who applies for FERI, who pays, who provides documents and who handles amendments.

14. Keep photos of the VIN, odometer, exterior, underbody and key components.

15. Obtain a technical condition certificate from a technical inspection center in the country of origin.

16. Obtain a legally authenticated transfer document or deed of transfer.

17. Include FERI, inspection if applicable, port, storage, broker, transport, registration and insurance charges in total landed cost.

18. Do not commit to a fixed clearance period, fixed port throughput figure or fixed list of supplementary taxes.

IX. Common Misunderstandings

Misunderstanding 1: Confusing DR Congo with the Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is DR Congo or Congo-Kinshasa. Matadi is a major maritime gateway, and most vehicles face a 15-year age limit in 2026. The Republic of the Congo is Congo-Brazzaville; its main port is Pointe-Noire, and its passenger-vehicle age limit is seven years. The two countries' import rules, taxes and registration requirements are not interchangeable.

Misunderstanding 2: Assuming the age limit is still 20 years

Decree No. 17/008 of 2017 set a 20-year limit, but Decree No. 26/01 of January 24, 2026 tightened the limit for most vehicles to 15 years and repealed the previous decree. Do not rely on the old 20-year standard.

Misunderstanding 3: Assuming any car over 30 years old is automatically exempt as a collector vehicle

The collector exception is not automatic at age 30. Public summaries of the decree require a vehicle to be at least 30 years old, out of production, with no substantial change to its technical characteristics, preserved mainly for historical, heritage or aesthetic purposes, and not primarily used for everyday transport. Confirm the classification with the authority and customs broker.

Misunderstanding 4: Assuming all used cars are automatically exempt from OCC/BV PSI

Some industry and older verification materials support a usual exemption for vehicles first registered more than six months earlier. That cannot be presented as an unconditional nationwide rule. Before shipment, the importer should confirm any exemption in writing with OCC, Bureau Veritas, GUICE or a licensed broker, considering vehicle category, FOB value, first-registration status and current system requirements.

Misunderstanding 5: Assuming electric vehicles are completely tax-exempt

Industry practice reports 0% customs duty and VAT for battery electric passenger vehicles, but excise exemption remains unverified and the complete exemption has not been directly supported by a located official DRC provision. Do not promise “zero EV tax” or “complete EV tax exemption” in quotations, pro forma invoices, contracts or marketing. If a buyer claims the benefit, obtain a DGDA tariff classification opinion, a formal licensed-broker tax estimate, the applicable exemption legislation or a verifiable tax assessment for the particular VIN before payment and loading.

Misunderstanding 6: Describing accident- and flood-damaged cars as a statutory prohibited list

Public summaries of Decree No. 26/01 confirm the technical inspection, age, ownership-document and arrival-inspection requirements; they do not enumerate “accident-damaged, flood-damaged, fire-damaged, scrapped commercial and illegally modified vehicles” as a complete nationwide statutory prohibition list. Manage them as high-risk vehicles. Determine whether a specific vehicle is expressly prohibited from implementing rules and written guidance from the competent authority.

Misunderstanding 7: Applying for FERI after arrival

FERI should be validated before arrival and clearance in accordance with OGEFREM or its authorized agent. Late applications may lead to amendments, storage charges or delays. Follow the shipment-specific deadline and instructions.

Misunderstanding 8: Overlooking the OGEFREM shipper subscription card

Since October 1, 2025, a current-year shipper subscription card number is generally needed for FERI applications. The importer should confirm application, use and renewal requirements with OGEFREM or its designated channel in advance.

Misunderstanding 9: Assuming port release means the vehicle can be sold for road use

Port release completes the customs stage; the vehicle still needs technical inspection, registration and insurance.

X. Coordination Between Chinese Suppliers and DR Congo Buyers

When sourcing in China, the DR Congo buyer and Chinese supplier should use a shared, vehicle-specific compliance record, with a separate file for each car.

It should include at least:

Set three approval points in the purchasing workflow:

1. Before purchase: Confirm age, VIN, use, left-hand drive and condition.

2. Before payment: Confirm HS classification, customs value, tax budget, PSI requirements and FERI plan.

3. Before loading: Confirm that final documents, FERI, bill of lading and the buyer's import records all agree.

XI. Sources and References

If you are a DR Congo used-car buyer or dealer sourcing from China, WeipuGlobal can prepare a vehicle list and export documents based on target models, quantities, ages, powertrains and Matadi delivery terms. Before signing or paying, have a DR Congo customs broker verify each VIN, age, HS classification, customs value, FERI, OCC/BV PSI requirements and registration route.