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Promote:Democratic Republic of the Congo

Export from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A short guide for companies selling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.

1. What the Democratic Republic of the Congo sells, and who buys it

Top goods exports

2024

  1. 1. Refined copper (HS 7403)US$23.8 billion
  2. 2. Cobalt oxides and hydroxides (HS 2822)US$5.53 billion
  3. 3. Copper ores and concentrates (HS 2603)US$2.71 billion
  4. 4. Gold (HS 7108)US$1.79 billion
  5. 5. Unrefined copper and copper anodes (HS 7402)US$1.31 billion
  6. 6. Crude oil (HS 2709)US$666 million
  7. 7. Cocoa beans (HS 1801)US$447 million
  8. 8. Tin ores and concentrates (HS 2609)US$409.4 million
Show 12 more products
  1. 9. Other ores and concentrates (HS 2617)US$140 million
  2. 10. Zinc ores and concentrates (HS 2608)US$98.7 million
  3. 11. Diamonds (HS 7102)US$89.9 million
  4. 12. Wood in the rough (HS 4403)US$54.7 million
  5. 13. Coffee (HS 0901)US$32.9 million
  6. 14. Armored fighting vehicles (HS 8710)US$28.7 million
  7. 15. Niobium, tantalum and vanadium ores (HS 2615)US$26.9 million
  8. 16. Cement (HS 2523)US$26.2 million
  9. 17. Copper waste and scrap (HS 7404)US$24.5 million
  10. 18. Tugs and pusher craft (HS 8904)US$15.8 million
  11. 19. Copper mattes and cement copper (HS 7401)US$15.4 million
  12. 20. Sawn wood (HS 4407)US$14.6 million
  • Copper (refined, unrefined and ore) was 74.3 percent and cobalt oxides and intermediates 14.8 percent of 2024 exports. Source⁠ (opens in a new tab)
  • The country's own report shows no re-export flow for 2024, and flow X covers exports as recorded by customs. Source⁠ (opens in a new tab)
  • The 2023 report uses the 2012 edition of the harmonized system and the 2024 report the 2022 edition. Source⁠ (opens in a new tab)
  • The 2023 report shows crude oil at US$4.838, so its 2023 value was not reported in full; the line is 1.8 percent of 2024 exports and the totals stay comparable. Source⁠ (opens in a new tab)
  • Vehicles, weapons, ships, aircraft parts and scrap are marked as not suited to small companies because the data do not show who exports them. Source⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Source: UN Comtrade, DR Congo exports by product, 2024⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024

Where the goods go

2024, share of goods exports

  • China58.9%
  • Hong Kong7.8%
  • South Africa7.8%
  • Mozambique4.5%
  • Tanzania4.5%
  • Singapore4%
  • United Arab Emirates3.7%
  • Vietnam2%

Source: UN Comtrade, DR Congo exports by destination, 2024⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024

2. What to look into next

Our reading

Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.

3. Trade agreements

What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.

  • African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

    The tariff schedule is adopted but not yet published in the national gazette, and the country does not take part in the Guided Trade Initiative.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. The country deposited its ratification on April 20, 2022 but does not yet apply AfCFTA tariff cuts.

    Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, status of tariff offers, July 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026

  • Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

    The country has not joined the COMESA free trade area, so its sellers cannot claim COMESA tariff preferences, but a simplified trade regime applies at some borders.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Confirm the importing country's treatment before you quote.

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  • East African Community (EAC)

    The country joined the EAC on July 11, 2022, but it does not yet apply EAC preferential tariffs.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the importing country's treatment before you quote.

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  • Southern African Development Community (SADC)

    The country has not signed the SADC Protocol on Trade, so SADC free trade area preferences do not apply to its sellers.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. It submitted tariff offers in December 2025.

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

Show 7 more agreements

  • Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)

    A free trade area has been in effect since 2004, but the country does not apply its preferential tariffs.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the importing country's treatment before you quote.

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  • COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area

    The agreement entered into force on July 25, 2024, but the country signed it on July 10, 2015 and has not deposited its ratification.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. No Tripartite preference applies until the country ratifies.

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  • AGOA

    Eligible goods can enter the United States duty free under AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. The country is on the June 30, 2026 designated list, and Public Law 119-103 extends AGOA to December 31, 2028.

    Source: Federal Register notice 2026-13177, AGOA review, June 30, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026

  • European Union Everything But Arms

    Goods that meet the origin rules enter the European Union duty free and quota free, except arms and ammunition.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Confirm the origin proof your buyer needs.

    Source: European Commission, Everything But Arms page⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026

  • United Kingdom Developing Countries Trading Scheme (Comprehensive Preferences tier)

    The country is on the United Kingdom's list of least developed countries that receive the scheme's widest tariff preferences.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Confirm the origin proof your buyer needs.

    Source: United Kingdom, Developing Countries Trading Scheme preference tiers⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026

  • European Union-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement

    The country is not yet a party to the agreement, but it has begun negotiating its accession.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. It uses Everything But Arms in the meantime.

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  • United Arab Emirates–Democratic Republic of the Congo Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

    The two countries signed the agreement on February 2, 2026; its entry into force is not established here.

    Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Confirm with the foreign trade ministry that it applies before you quote a preferential rate.

    Source: United Arab Emirates President's office, Congo CEPA signing, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of February 2, 2026

4. Steps to export

The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.

Exporting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

  1. Get a national identification number through the business start-up single window; the WTO review says it is free and never expires, and export procedures follow import ones.Guichet Unique de Création d'EntrepriseFree of charge; valid indefinitelyOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  2. Get a tax identification number from the tax authority; the review says it is issued free and has no expiry date.Direction Générale des ImpôtsFree of charge; valid indefinitelyOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  3. Get the foreign trade ministry's import-export number; the WTO review gives its fee and one-year validity.Ministère du Commerce ExtérieurUS$250 for individuals, US$500 for companies; valid one yearOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  4. For listed goods such as logs and wood products, rubber, green coffee, cocoa and charcoal, get the ministry's prior export authorization.Ministère du Commerce ExtérieurOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

Show 7 more export steps
  1. Have the Congolese Control Office test and certify the goods for export, where the rules require it.Office Congolais de ContrôleOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: Congolese Control Office, inspections and controls page (in French)⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026

  2. For plant products, apply for a phytosanitary certificate to the agriculture ministry; its plant protection directorate inspects the goods first.Ministère de l'AgricultureFee set by regulation; up to one weekOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  3. For mineral exports, have the certification center assess the substances and issue the certificate of origin.Centre d'Expertise d'Evaluation et de CertificationOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: Mineral certification center, export origin certificate order (in French)⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of February 5, 2007

  4. Lodge the electronic customs export declaration, yourself or through an approved customs broker, and follow your file in the foreign trade single window.Direction Générale des Douanes et AccisesOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: WTO Secretariat report on the DR Congo, 2026⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026

  5. Use the single window platform to prepare export documents and pay the fees in one place.Société d'Exploitation du Guichet Unique Intégral en RDCOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: SEGUCE, foreign trade single window home page (in French)⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026

  6. Declare the export at an authorized bank and bring the proceeds home within 60 days, or 20 days for artisanal gold and diamonds.Banque Centrale du CongoDeclaration valid 90 days; proceeds due within 60 daysOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: Central bank exchange regulation, March 2014 (in French)⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of March 28, 2014

  7. If your approved project exports finished or semi-finished products, Article 12 of the Investment Code exempts those exports from export duties and taxes.Agence Nationale pour la Promotion des InvestissementsOfficial page⁠ (opens in a new tab)

    Source: Investment Code, Law 004/2002, ANAPI copy (in French)⁠ (opens in a new tab) · as of February 21, 2002

5. Organizations that help exporters

Start with ANAPEX and DGDA. Each card links to the organization’s own site.

Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets

Export development and market information

Show 4 more organizations

Customs and tax

Show 1 more organization

Standards and sector requirements

Show 4 more organizations

Chambers and industry associations

6. Worth knowing

7. How Promote:Global helps

  • Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
  • Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
  • Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
  • Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.

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Promote:Democratic Republic of the Congo is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.

Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 30, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.