Shipping from the USA to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Two gateways for a vast country

Western DRC — including Kinshasa — is served through the Atlantic Port of Matadi, while eastern DRC (Goma, Bukavu, Bunia, Lubumbashi’s region via southern routes) is typically supplied through East African ports such as Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, with long overland transit.

Routing through Kenya

For eastern DRC, cargo can arrive at Mombasa and move through Kenya and Uganda along the Northern Corridor. Transit documentation must name the DRC as the final destination from the beginning.

Common shipments

Mining and construction equipment, vehicles, humanitarian supplies, solar and power equipment, and commercial stock.

Air freight to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Air cargo from the United States to Democratic Republic of the Congo normally arrives at N’djili International Airport, Kinshasa (FIH). Air freight is the best choice for urgent, compact and high-value shipments such as electronics, spare parts, documents and medical supplies. Typical door-to-door transit from the USA to this region is about 5–10 days, depending on the origin airport, connections and customs clearance. Air cargo is charged on chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight.

Sea freight to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ocean freight to Democratic Republic of the Congo usually arrives at Port of Matadi (west); eastern DRC via Mombasa or Dar es Salaam. Choose a full container (FCL) for larger volumes or a shared container (LCL) for smaller consignments. Typical ocean transit from the USA to this region is about 4–8 weeks, depending on the US port, sailing schedule and transhipment.

Customs and import documents for Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo is a member of the East African Community (EAC), which applies a Common External Tariff to imports from outside the bloc. Goods transiting Kenya or Tanzania to another EAC country move under regional transit procedures, so the final destination must be declared from the start.

Most shipments to Democratic Republic of the Congo need the following. Product-specific requirements vary, so we confirm them before your cargo leaves the US:

• Commercial invoice with item values
• Detailed packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Importer registration / tax ID in Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Certificates of origin or conformity where required
• Permits for regulated goods (food, medicines, chemicals)

Import duties and taxes are assessed in Democratic Republic of the Congo in the local currency (Congolese franc (CDF)) and are normally paid by the importer. US export rules also apply — some goods, technologies and destinations need an export licence.

How Gelle Transport helps

1. 01

   Assess the shipment

   We confirm the route to Democratic Republic of the Congo, what can be shipped and any restrictions before you commit.

2. 02

   US pickup and export

   We collect from your address or supplier and prepare the cargo and documents for export.

3. 03

   International freight

   Air or ocean booked with vetted carriers, with updates while in transit.

4. 04

   Arrival coordination

   Clearance and delivery in Democratic Republic of the Congo coordinated with local agents where available.

Other countries in Africa