DR Congo (COD) COD Certificate

DR Congo Certificate of Destination — What It Is

The Certificate of Destination (COD) is a separate documentary requirement for certain cargo types entering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is distinct from the FERI (Fiche Électronique de Renseignements à l’Importation) — the DRC’s general import advance declaration — and applies to specific goods categories as determined by DRC customs regulations.

The COD is issued at the port of origin and confirms that the goods are genuinely destined for the DRC and meet the applicable import requirements for that cargo type. Like the FERI, it must be obtained before the vessel departs.

Is the COD the Same as the FERI?

No. The DRC has two separate cargo documentation tracks:

• FERI — applies to most standard sea freight shipments as the general import pre-declaration
• Certificate of Destination (COD) — applies to specific cargo categories and is a separate document with its own application process

Some shipments may require both the FERI and the COD. Others may require only one. The determination depends on the specific goods being shipped. If you are unsure which document(s) your cargo requires, contact us with full cargo details and we’ll advise on the correct path.

Required Documents

To obtain a DRC Certificate of Destination, submit clear PDF copies of:

• Bill of Lading — draft copy accepted for initial application; original required for final validation
• Commercial Invoice — must show accurate cargo value with Incoterms clearly stated
• Freight Invoice — required if freight costs are not separately shown
• Packing List — complete with weights, quantities, and container references

Document consistency is critical. All submitted papers must match exactly — discrepancies will result in application rejection.

Processing Time

Allow approximately one week from document submission to final validated certificate. Build additional lead time into your planning if your shipment also requires a FERI.

Ports of Discharge

The DRC’s primary ocean ports are:

• Matadi — the main container port on the Congo River
• Boma — secondary Atlantic coast port

Kinshasa and inland DRC destinations are typically served via Matadi with onward river or road transport.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Cargo arriving without the required COD faces:

• Cargo detention at the port of discharge
• Financial penalties from DRC customs authorities
• Physical examination by customs officers
• Demurrage and storage charges accumulating throughout any delay

Practical Guidance

Given the complexity of DRC’s documentation requirements, we recommend:

1. Confirming with us which certificate(s) your cargo needs before applying — FERI, COD, or both
2. Starting the process early — DRC ports have limited capacity and documentation issues compound quickly
3. Ensuring your documents are complete and final before submission — corrections mid-process add cost and delay

We handle both the FERI and COD for DRC shipments. Contact us with your cargo details and we’ll manage the full documentation process.

DRC Trade — Key Figures

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s import volume runs at approximately 8 billion USD annually. The DRC is a resource-rich country with major deposits of cobalt, copper, coltan, and diamonds. Key imports include machinery, vehicles, food products, pharmaceuticals, and fuel. China, South Africa, Belgium, and France are among the primary trading partners.

FAQ

Do I need a COD or a FERI for my DRC shipment? It depends on your cargo type. Contact us with full cargo details — HS codes, commodity description, and value — and we’ll advise on exactly which documents are required.

Can I apply for the COD and FERI at the same time? Yes. We can process both documents simultaneously to minimise your overall lead time.

What happens if my cargo arrives without the COD? Cargo will be held at Matadi or Boma. DRC customs is strict — penalties apply and the cargo will not be released until documentation is resolved. This can be expensive and time-consuming.

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