ZAIRE

Bilateral relations Switzerland–The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Congo (Kinshasa) are cordial, although not particularly intensive. They focus mainly on development cooperation, humanitarian aid and cooperation in the area of migration.

Economic cooperation

Economic and trade relations between Switzerland and the DRC are modest. Only a few Swiss-based multinationals are present in the Congo/Kinshasa, despite the country’s considerable potential. Most of the goods imported by Switzerland are agricultural and forestry products. Swiss exports to the RDC are mainly graphic arts products, chemical and pharmaceutical products, industrial machinery and precision instruments, followed by used cars.

Business language

French.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

1 Congo Franc (FC)

ISO code: CDF

Customs tariff

Harmonised system.

Import control

Weapons embargo, restrictions on persons. A licence is required in principle to import all goods. Prior authorisation (visa préalable) from the central bank is required for the import of non-priority goods; when importing priority goods the licence must be declared to the commercial banks (déclaration d’importation). The licence is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue. (Lists are available from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, professional associations, African associations and the like).

Pro forma invoices are required to apply for licences. The FOB price must be broken down into: price ex works, transport costs, other costs which arise up to the point of loading onto the ship.

Only importers registered with the Banque du Zaïre can import goods. Where possible only conclude direct business; avoid intermediary trade.

The foreign currency market is liberalised and the exchange rate is no longer controlled. The use of foreign currencies for all transactions has been approved. Payments for imports are generally made by the commercial banks by means of irrevocable letters of credit.

Standard VAT rate: 16%

Pre-shipment inspection

Imports are subject to controls from USD 2.500. The certificate number must be communicated to the shipping or air freight agents before loading.

Terms of payment and tenders

Irrevocable, confirmed letter of credit. Payment after customs clearance should be agreed for collection transactions. Tenders in French, invoices in EUR or USD, FOB European ports or CIF African ports.

Designations of origin

Not required on goods.

Marking/labelling

All shipments of goods which are transported to Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo via Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, must also be clearly marked with a blue cross on the package on the standard marking side, the bars of which are at least 30 cm long, otherwise a special sorting fee will be charged. The amount of this fee is not yet known. The colours vary depending on the country of destination: Burundi – black, Rwanda – yellow, Zambia – green, Tanzania – red, Democratic Republic of the Congo – blue. (Where applicable ask the importer.) Clear, permanent and clearly visible note indicating the weight of shipments with a gross weight of 1.000 kg or more.

Packaging

No special regulations are known; robust, weatherproof packaging.

Product samples

Duty free where there is no retail value.

Shipping and accompanying documents

Standard and:

a) Commercial invoices, 2 copies in French with all standard information including the country of origin, precise description of the goods, gross and net weight etc., FOB costs, FOB value, CIF costs, CIF value.

b) Certificates of origin are not required.

c) Bills of lading uncertified; order bills of lading are possible if a notify address is given.

d) Movement certificate, EUR 1 or UE not required.

e) Postal packages up to 20 kg: 1 international dispatch note indicating the import licence number, 4 customs declarations in French.