CONGO

Bilateral relations Switzerland–the Republic of Congo

Relations between Switzerland and Congo (Brazzaville) are good, but not very intense. Various agreements on debt relief and rescheduling have been concluded with Congo (Brazzaville).

Economic cooperation

The economic and trade relations between the two countries are modest. Most of the Congolese goods imported into Switzerland are agricultural and forestry products. Between them, the products of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, industrial machines and equipment for the electrical and electronic industry, as well as precision instruments, make up the lion’s share of Swiss exports, ahead of second-hand cars.

Business language

French.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

National currency 1 CFA-Franc. (FCFA) = 100 centimes (c).
ISO code: XAF

Customs tariff

Harmonised system.

Import control

Import licences: the import of EU goods is extensively liberalised. They are only subject to what is known as the “automatic granting of licences”. Individual import licences are required for all other goods.
The goods must arrive in the destination port within the duration of validity of the licence. The validity of these is generally one year.
Standard VAT rate: 18%
Payment transactions with foreign countries are liberalised; the exchange rate is free. Import licences include approval to transfer the equivalent value of the goods.

Pre-shipment inspection

An inspection of the quality, quantity and price before shipment is required for all goods from a FOB value of 3.000.000 CFA Francs. Ask the testing company about exceptions to this.

Terms of payment and tenders

Irrevocable letters of credit to your own bank on confirmation of the order highly recommended. Transfers from CFRA countries are time-intensive as they have to be converted into EUR first. Tenders in EUR or another convertible currency.
Tenders in French FOB European ports or CIF Pointe Noire.

Designations of origin

Tinned fruit, vegetables and fish, cheese, butter, milk powder, cream and condensed milk must be marked with their country of origin. Labelling the shipments in French is recommended. In this case “Importé de Suisse” should be placed on the boxes where applicable.

Marking/labelling

There are no legal regulations.

Packaging

Seaworthy packaging. All materials that could bring diseases into the country (e.g. hay, straw) are prohibited as packaging materials. Standard marking regulations: “Importé de Suisse” recommended (in English).

Product samples

Duty free if they have no retail value.

Shipping and accompanying documents

Standard and

a) Commercial invoices (5 copies) with all standard information in French including gross and net weight, FOB value, CIF costs and CIF value, delivery terms, precise description of the goods etc., uncertified. The following declaration to be signed by the exporter must appear at the end of the invoice: “Nous certifions que les prix indiqués ci-dessus s’accordent avec les prix courants sur le marché d’exportation”.

b) Certificates of origin only on request. As a country of origin for example “Suisse” or “Union Européenne” depending on the case.

c) Movement certificate EUR. 1 or UE not required.

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

e) Postal packages and airmail packages up to 20 kg: 1 foreign dispatch note, 1 customs declaration in French.